The Houston Astros are about to welcome back a key piece of their pitching staff. Tatsuya Imai, the Japanese right-hander who has been sidelined with right arm fatigue, is set to rejoin the major league rotation next week, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome. Astros GM Dana Brown confirmed that Imai will start during the upcoming series against the Seattle Mariners, likely taking the mound on Monday if the team keeps him on five days' rest.

This return couldn't come at a better time for a Houston squad that has been battered by injuries. Just Tuesday night, the Astros learned that star shortstop Carlos Correa will miss the rest of the season with a left ankle injury suffered before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Correa had been enjoying a solid campaign, slashing .279/.369/.418 with three home runs and 16 RBIs. He joins a growing list of Astros on the injured list, including Yanier Diaz, Joey Loperfido, and Jeremy Pena.

Imai has been working his way back through the minor leagues, making rehab appearances with Houston's Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. While he didn't record a win during his stint, he did strike out five batters across multiple outings—though he also allowed six earned runs. His most recent start came Tuesday night with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, where command issues crept in as he walked five batters over three innings.

Control has been a persistent challenge for Imai in his young MLB career. In three appearances with the Astros this season, he has posted a concerning 11.4 walks per nine innings. Still, the Astros are banking on his electric stuff and the experience he gained during this rehab assignment to help stabilize a rotation that has missed his presence. For a team fighting through adversity, Imai's return offers a glimmer of hope as they push toward the postseason.