The Houston Astros are back in action tonight for Game 2 of a four-game homestand against their division rivals, the Seattle Mariners. After a tough start to the season, the Astros (16-26) are looking to turn things around, and tonight's matchup brings some intriguing storylines to the diamond.
Taking the mound for Houston is right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who returns from the 15-day injured list after battling arm fatigue. This will be his first Major League start in over a month, and only his fourth career start overall. Imai (1-0, 7.27 ERA) made two rehab starts in the minors, most recently tossing three innings of one-run ball against Triple-A Albuquerque on May 5. The Astros signed the Japanese import to a three-year deal back in January, and fans are eager to see the form that made him an NPB All-Star in 2025—where he posted a stellar 1.92 ERA and a 10-5 record for the Seibu Lions.
Opposing him will be Mariners righty Bryan Woo (2-2, 4.02 ERA), who will look to keep Houston's bats quiet. The Mariners (20-22) have had the Astros' number so far this season, sweeping a four-game series in Seattle back in April. Houston will be hungry for revenge on their home turf, where they hold a 68-54 all-time record against Seattle.
In roster news, the Astros have optioned right-hander Logan VanWey to Triple-A to make room for Imai's return. Manager Joe Espada, who now has 191 career managerial wins, continues to shuffle the lineup in search of consistency. In fact, the Astros have used 42 different batting orders in their 42 games this season—the only constant being Yordan Alvarez, who has started every game in the second spot. The slugger is having another monster year, batting .314 with 13 home runs, 29 RBIs, and a 1.044 OPS.
On a somber note, the Astros announced that infielder Carlos Correa underwent successful surgery on his left ankle for a peroneus brevis tendon repair. He will miss the remainder of the 2026 season.
First pitch is set for tonight at Minute Maid Park. Whether you're cheering from the stands or watching from home, gear up in your Astros best and get ready for what promises to be a hard-fought divisional battle.