Astros' Tatsuya Imai reveals personal reason behind off-field struggles hindering early MLB career originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Houston Astros have gotten off to a slow start this season, which has come as a bit of a surprise. The Astros made a major signing at the pitcher position, bringing in Japanese superstar Tatsuya Imai.“The Astros officially announced the signing of right-hander Tatsuya Imai to a three-year contract that allows him to opt out after each of the first two seasons.

It’s reportedly a $54MM guarantee for the NPB star, who’ll collect a $2MM signing bonus and $16MM salary next year,” MLB Trade Rumors’ AJ Eustace wrote.Imai hasn’t gotten off to the start he wanted, much like the rest of the team. He is currently dealing with arm fatigue and is awaiting further results.“Astros rookie pitcher Tatsuya Imai returned to Houston after his third start to be examined for right arm fatigue. A 27-year-old right-hander, Imai got just one out in Friday's 9-6 loss to Seattle.

He allowed three runs, one hit, three walks and a hit batter while throwing 37 pitches,” ESPN wrote. “Imai signed a $54 million, three-year contract and is 1-0 with a 7.27 ERA. He has 11 walks and 13 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings.”It turns out the reason for Imai’s struggles goes deeper than just poor outings.

He has had difficulty adjusting to his new lifestyle.“Through an interpreter, Tatsuya Imai said he's not been able to adjust to an American lifestyle in terms of baseball and outside of baseball,” Astros beat reporter Brian McTaggart wrote.It is certainly not an easy task to have your entire life change in a matter of months while also dealing with the expectations of being one of the top pitchers in free agency. Hopefully, Imai can make the adjustment and return to his normal form.There is no doubt that Imai can be dominant, as he has shown consistently throughout his career. However, adjusting can be difficult for some, and that is the biggest challenge he faces right now.More MLB news:Braves writer sounds alarm on Chris Sale stat that goes against Jeremy Hefner's philosophyDodgers predicted to trade for $32M 2-time Cy Young winner to pair with Shohei OhtaniBraves' Walt Weiss reveals what makes working with GM Alex Anthopoulos unique in AtlantaDodgers could sign $17M Cy Young winner to bolster rotation with Yoshinobu YamamotoBraves predicted to trade Ozzie Albies for $56M Cy Young winner to bolster starting rotationDodgers proposed trade ships top prospects for $56M Cy Young winner to pair with Shohei OhtaniBraves predicted to part ways with $1.25M historic lefty when Sean Murphy, Ha-Seong Kim returnDodgers' Edwin Diaz clears the air on potential injury, attributes velocity dip to past trendMets' $1.75M veteran offseason signing deemed early regret as Devin Williams, Luke Weaver shineBraves manager Walt Weiss provides timeline for Spencer Strider's return from oblique injuryGiants GM Zack Minasian shows full support of Tony Vitello's most questionable decision yetYankees predicted to trade for $17M superstar flamethrower, Cy Young winner to join Gerrit Cole