Tatsuya Imai allowed six hits and three runs with 11 strikeouts and didn’t walk a batter across six innings to earn the win in a 9-3 victory over the Guardians on Friday.
This was absolutely and unquestionably Imai’s best start as a big leaguer. His famous backwards slider was diabolical, forcing 17 swings-and-misses while working firmly as his primary pitch. He commanded it excellently both low and below the zone as well as fading away from the Guardians’ left-handed hitters. Most impressively, Imai had let up three runs before the third inning was over and it looked like this was going to turn into yet another start that went off the rails. However, he composed himself and dominated from that point on retiring the final 11 batters he faced. So far, his two-pitch approach hasn’t fared particularly well and we must remember that this Guardians’ lineup sans José Ramírez and a handful of other starts is one of the weakest in the league. Still, that slider looks like it can truly carry him when it’s on like it was tonight. He’s scheduled to face the Blue Jays in Toronto next time out.
