Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai admitted to nerves in his major league debut Sunday, walking four batters in 2 2/3 innings during a 9-7 win over the Los Angeles Angels. The 27-year-old Japanese import, who signed a three-year, $54 million contract this offseason after eight seasons with the Seibu Lions, allowed three hits and four runs while striking out four.

Imai's struggles came despite his extensive experience in Japan, where he made over 100 starts in the Pacific League. Manager Joe Espada expressed surprise at the control issues, noting he wasn't expecting Imai to struggle with throwing strikes. The veteran catcher Christian Vázquez said he couldn't detect any nervousness, describing Imai as calm and collected during the rocky outing.

The debut turned problematic in the third inning when Imai walked the bases loaded before Jorge Soler cleared them with a double, erasing Houston's four-run lead. Jo Adell's RBI single tied the game at 4 and ended Imai's day. The right-hander acknowledged he threw too many pitches early and didn't perform up to expectations for the 10 friends and family members in attendance.