Houston manager Joe Espada says right-hander Tatsuya Imai will pitch out of the bullpen for the Astros’ weekend, three-game series against the Texas Rangers. The move follows what Espada describes as a rough outing by Imai in his most recent start. Espada indicates the team is “working with him,” and adds that, for now, the change is expected to last only through the Rangers series. The decision is framed as an adjustment in usage rather than a longer-term assignment. With Houston set to begin the three-game set on Friday, the bullpen role places Imai behind the team’s planned relief plans for the weekend stretch against Texas. Both reports state that Espada makes the announcement prior to the series, tying the decision directly to Imai’s recent performance and emphasizing that the organization has not announced a permanent change in his status.