| Date | News | Comment |
| Jun 25 2025 | Kikuchi (3-6) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing two unearned runs on three hits and a walk over seven innings in a 5-2 victory over the Red Sox. He struck out 12. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw looked like he might be in for a rough afternoon when a Scott Kingery error helped lead to a two-run first inning for Boston and forced Kikuchi to burn through 31 pitches, but he locked in after that, giving up just a single the rest of the way. The dozen strikeouts were a season high for Kikuchi, and he remains absolutely dominant at Angel Stadium, delivering a 1.12 ERA through eight home starts this year with a 3-1 record, a 1.10 WHIP and a 51:17 K:BB over 48.1 innings. His next outing, however, is scheduled to come on the road next week in Atlanta, and Kikuchi has labored to a 4.47 ERA and 1.63 WHIP away from the friendly confines. |
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| Jun 21 2025 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Astros, giving up two runs on six hits over seven innings. He struck out nine without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw looked like he was headed for a disastrous outing when Jeremy Pena and Isaac Paredes launched back-to-back homers to lead off the game, but Kikuchi kept his focus and shut the door on Houston until exiting the mound after 103 pitches (69 strikes), including 33 called or swinging strikes. The quality start was his seventh of the season, and he'll take a 3.01 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 87:43 K:BB through 89.2 innings into his next outing, which is scheduled to come at home next week against the Red Sox. |
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| Jun 15 2025 | Kikuchi (2-6) took the loss Sunday against the Orioles, allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out 10. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The five runs charged to Kikuchi mark a season high, though he's still held opponents to three earned runs or fewer in each of his last nine outings -- the left-hander came into Sunday with a 1.97 ERA over his previous eight starts (45.2 innings). Overall, Kikuchi's ERA sits at 3.05 with a 1.48 WHIP and 78:43 K:BB across 15 starts (82.2 innings) this season. He's tentatively lined up to face the Astros at home in his next outing. |
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| Jun 9 2025 | Kikuchi (2-5) allowed one hit and one walk while striking out five over 7.1 scoreless innings to earn the win over the Athletics on Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi retired the first 13 batters he faced. While he allowed both baserunners in the fifth inning, he was able to keep runs off the board in what was easily his best performance of the year. This is the first time he's completed seven innings all season, and it was his first quality start since May 12 versus the Padres since he had failed to finish six frames in each of his last four outings. Kikuchi had also walked at least four batters in those contests before showing better control Monday. He's at a 2.92 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 68:41 K:BB through 77 innings over 14 starts this season. Kikuchi is lined up for a road start in Baltimore this weekend. |
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| Jun 4 2025 | Kikuchi came away with a no-decision in Tuesday's 4-3 extra-inning win over the Red Sox, giving up three runs on eight hits and five walks over five-plus innings. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander tossed only 56 of 99 pitches for strikes in a shaky outing, but Kikuchi had limited the damage until running out of gas in the sixth inning, when he began the frame with two free passes sandwiched around a two-run homer by Ceddanne Rafaela before getting the hook. Kikuchi has walked at least four batters in four straight starts, but Rafaela's long ball was the first homer he's served up during that stretch, allowing him to escape with a 2.11 ERA in 21.1 innings despite a worrisome 20:18 K:BB. Kikuchi will try to tighten things up in his next trip the mound, which lines up to come at home early next week against the A's. |
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| May 28 2025 | Kikuchi (1-5) took the loss against the Yankees on Wednesday, allowing one run on four hits and five walks while striking out four batters over five innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi struggled with his control throughout the outing, throwing just 51 of 93 pitches for strikes and tying a season high with five free passes -- though two of the walks were intentional (both to Aaron Judge). Still, the veteran hurler was able to mostly avoid damage, as he surrendered just a first-inning run. Kikuchi finished his outing on a high note by retiring the final eight batters he faced, but the Angels were unable to provide him with any run support, resulting in his fifth loss of the season. Despite his 1-5 record, Kikuchi has been solid as the ace of the Angels' staff, allowing two or fewer earned runs in each of his past six starts and registering a 3.06 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 58:35 K:BB over 64.2 innings on the campaign. |
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| May 23 2025 | Kikuchi (1-4) allowed seven hits and four walks while striking out four over 5.2 scoreless innings to earn the win over the Marlins on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi came up an out short of a quality start for the second time in a row, though this time it was due to his workload rather than an injury scare. He threw 110 pitches (70 strikes) in Friday's outing, and he was strong despite his ongoing issue with walking too many batters. He's allowed one run or fewer in three of his last four outings. Kikuchi's 3.17 ERA is strong, but his 1.49 WHIP and 54:30 K:BB over 59.2 innings (11 starts) raise plenty of concerns about sustainability. His next start is projected to be a tough home matchup versus the Yankees. |
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| May 18 2025 | Kikuchi (ankle) is feeling fine following Sunday's 6-4 win over the Dodgers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi exited the contest in the bottom of the sixth inning with right ankle irritation after retiring two batters in the frame. The left-hander explained that he would've stayed in the contest and pitched through the issue had it been earlier in the game. Kikuchi appears to be all set to toe the rubber for his next projected start Friday against the Marlins. |
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| May 12 2025 | Kikuchi allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out four over six innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was Kikuchi's own throwing error that led to two runs scoring to give the Padres the lead in the third inning. He left the game with the Angels trailing 4-3, but they rallied in the ninth to get him off the hook, instead leaving him with a third straight no-decision. This was his fifth quality start in nine outings, but he has yet to get in the win column. Kikuchi has posted a 3.72 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 43:22 K:BB over 48.1 innings, though he's walked just four batters over his last three starts, spanning 17 innings. The left-hander's next start is projected to be a tough road matchup versus the Dodgers this weekend. |
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| May 7 2025 | Kikuchi allowed one run on five hits and one walk while striking out six batters over six innings in a no-decision against Toronto on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was ultra-efficient in the start, throwing 70 of 91 pitches for strikes -- a promising development given that he entered the game with a poor 4.7 BB/9. The lefty tossed five scoreless frames to begin the contest before giving up his lone run in the sixth. Kikuchi wasn't rewarded for his fine effort with a win, but he did notch his fourth quality start of the campaign and his first since April 9. The veteran hurler still doesn't have a victory this season, though his numbers have been tolerable -- he has a 3.83 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 39:20 K:BB over 42.1 frames spanning eight starts. |
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| May 1 2025 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision Thursday against Detroit after allowing two runs on five hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both of Kikuchi's runs allowed came via solo homers, with one coming on a third-inning shot by Javier Baez and another on a fourth-inning blast by Gleyber Torres. It was still an encouraging bounce-back effort overall by the left-hander, who yielded a lone walk after lending a whopping 18 free passes over 25.1 innings in April. Kikuchi will look to further improve his 4.21 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 33:19 K:BB across 36.1 frames in a tough matchup next week versus the Blue Jays, who entered Wednesday with a .758 OPS against left-handed pitching this season. |
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| Apr 20 2025 | Kikuchi allowed one run (zero earned) on five hits and four walks while striking out six in 5.1 innings Sunday against the Giants. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was unable to reach six innings for the first time this season but had another solid outing. He was able to escape a scoring threat in the fourth and struck out the side in the fifth despite allowing an unearned run. Kikuchi has not won a game yet, but he's been solid thus far with a 3.38 ERA through five starts. Kikuchi lines up to face the Twins on the road in his upcoming start over the weekend. |
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| Apr 16 2025 | Kikuchi (0-3) took the loss Tuesday, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over six innings as the Angels were downed 4-0 by the Rangers. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw produced his third quality start in four outings to begin the season, but a lack of run support kept Kikuchi out of the win column once again -- the Halos have scored a total of 10 runs in his four trips to the mound. Kikuchi tossed 51 of 79 pitches for strikes before exiting, and he'll take a 4.13 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 22:10 K:BB through 24 innings into his next start, which lines up to come at home this weekend against the Giants. |
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| Apr 9 2025 | Kikuchi (0-2) took the loss in Wednesday's game against Tampa Bay. He gave up four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out five across six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All four of the runs Kikuchi yielded came off a Jose Caballero grand slam in the first inning. Kikuchi was able to retire 11 of the next 13 batters he faced and was able to escape the sixth frame without giving up a run after allowing two baserunners. However, the damage from Caballero's grand slam was enough for the southpaw to come away with his second loss of the season. Kikuchi has tossed 104 pitches in each of his last two outings, and he has begun his Angels tenure with a 5.00 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 16:8 K:BB across 18 innings. He's tentatively slated to start next week on the road against the Rangers, when he'll look to earn his first win in a Halos uniform. |
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| Apr 2 2025 | Kikuchi came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 12-5 loss to the Cardinals, giving up three runs on four hits and five walks over six innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw battled both his control and command, tossing only 59 of 104 pitches for strikes and getting tagged for a pair of homers by Ivan Herrera. Even so, Kikuchi was briefly in line for the win when the Halos took a 5-3 lead in the top of the seventh, but the bullpen made a mess of things. Kikuchi has a 4.50 ERA and 11:5 K:BB though his first two trips to the mound for Los Angeles, both of them quality starts, and he'll look for his first win of 2025 in his next outing, which lines up to come on the road next week in Tampa Bay. |
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| Mar 27 2025 | Kikuchi (0-1) took the loss in Thursday's Opening Day loss to the White Sox. He allowed three runs on five hits while striking out five across six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi got off to a nice start with two first-inning strikeouts, but he gave up a solo homer to Austin Slater to open the second frame before relinquishing a two-run double to Miguel Vargas in the same inning. Kikuchi didn't allow a base runner over his last four innings of work, but the Angels weren't able to supply the 33-year-old southpaw enough runs for him to avoid the Opening Day loss. Kikuchi will look to pick up his first win of the season in his next start, which is tentatively slated for the Angels' road series against the Cardinals next week. |
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| Mar 22 2025 | Kikuchi tossed five innings against Colorado in a Cactus League contest Friday, allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out five batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi finished the exhibition slate in good form, and he was able to work up to 88 pitches. The southpaw got 13 whiffs among those offerings, including seven with his slider. Of note, Kikuchi threw only two sweepers Friday -- he's been tinkering with the pitch this spring as a potential addition to his arsenal. The veteran hurler's next time on the mound is slated for Opening Day against the White Sox. |
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| Mar 14 2025 | Kikuchi has added a sweeper to his pitch mix, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi has worked with a four-pitch arsenal over the past two campaigns, but it appears he'll have another offering to attack hitters with this season. Bollinger notes that the lefty's new sweeper averages 81 mph with 16 inches of break, so it should give him a much different look than when he uses his traditional slider, which averages 87 mph with two inches of break. Kikuchi excelled in his second start of the spring Friday against the Royals, allowing one run on five hits while issuing three walks and striking out eight batters over 4.1 innings. He indicated that he'll take the mound one more time before the regular season kicks off, but the appearance will be either in a minor-league game or in a simulated setting. Kikuchi has been announced as the Angels' starter on Opening Day against the White Sox on March 27. |
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| Mar 1 2025 | Kikuchi pitched 2.2 innings in a Cactus League game against the Dodgers on Friday, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out three batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi began his outing by giving up a home run to Shohei Ohtani, and then served up two straight singles that led to another run via a sacrifice fly. The veteran lefty was lifted with two outs and two runners on base in the first frame, but under spring training rules he was allowed to re-enter the contest in the second. Kikuchi looked good after that return, retiring the final six batters he faced. Despite the uneven outing, Kikuchi is penciled in to start for the Angels on Opening Day against the White Sox. |
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| Feb 20 2025 | Angels manager Ron Washington named Kikuchi the team's Opening Day starter for their March 27 matchup against the White Sox, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The skipper referred to the decision as "obvious" after Kikuchi was handed a three-year, $63 million contract over the offseason. With the lowly White Sox on the docket for the opener, Kikuchi will have a great chance to make a positive first impression with his new club. |
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| Nov 25 2024 | The Angels signed Kikuchi to a three-year, $63 million contract Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Angels have been aggressive early in the offseason, adding around $100 million in payroll via signings and trades. Kikuchi is their biggest get so far and adds some much-needed rotation help. The southpaw collected a 4.05 ERA and 206:44 K:BB over 175.2 innings between the Blue Jays and Astros in 2024. He was particularly good down the stretch after landing in Houston at the trade deadline with a 2.70 ERA and 76:14 K:BB across 60 frames. |
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| Oct 2 2024 | Kikuchi is slated to start Thursday in Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Tigers, assuming he's not needed in relief in Game 2 on Wednesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi has been told to be ready in relief for Game 2 with the Astros having all hands on deck as they try to avoid elimination. If Houston wins and doesn't have to use Kikuchi on Wednesday, he'll take the ball Thursday. The left-hander was outstanding after being acquired by the Astros at the trade deadline, putting up a 2.70 ERA and 76:14 K:BB over 60 innings. |
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| Sep 25 2024 | Kikuchi (9-10) took the loss Wednesday against Seattle, allowing two runs (zero earned) on four hits and one walk while striking out eight in six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was excellent Wednesday, shutting out the Mariners through five innings before an unfortunate error in the sixth resulted in two unearned runs crossing the plate, giving Kikuchi his first loss since being acquired by the Astros in late July. The 33-year-old veteran has been a revelation since coming over from Toronto at the All-Star break, posting a 5-1 record with an elite 2.70 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 76:14 K:BB in 60 innings (10 starts). The southpaw will close out the season with a 4.05 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a career-best 206 strikeouts in 175.2 innings (32 starts). |
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| Sep 20 2024 | Kikuchi did not factor into the decision in a win over the Angels on Thursday, allowing one run on five hits and one walk over six innings while striking out nine. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi held the Angels' lineup in check after surrendering a leadoff home run to Taylor Ward to open the game, allowing just one batter to reach second base from the second inning on. The veteran southpaw induced 14 whiffs on the night while posting at least six strikeouts for the fourth-consecutive outing. However, he was still unable to come away with his fourth straight win despite his valiant effort. Kikuchi has also gone at least six innings in each of his last four outings, logging quality starts in three of them. |
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| Sep 14 2024 | Kikuchi (9-9) picked up the win Friday, giving up three runs on three hits and two walks over seven innings in a 5-3 victory over the Angels. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty is now 5-0 over eight starts with the Astros with a 3.19 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 59:12 K:BB through 48 innings, and he's proven to be one of the most astute acquisitions any team made at this year's trade deadline. Kikuchi's quality start Friday was his 10th of the season, and he'll look to stay locked in when he gets a rematch with the Angels back in Houston next week. |
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| Sep 8 2024 | Kikuchi (8-9) picked up the win Saturday, giving up four runs on seven hits over six innings in an 11-5 victory over the Diamondbacks. He struck out six without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty served up solo homers to Kevin Newman in the fourth inning and Eugenio Suarez in the sixth, but Kikuchi got more than enough run support to cover for his lapses. He has yet to be tagged with a loss since being traded to the Astros, going 4-0 in seven starts for his new club with a 3.07 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 53:10 K:BB through 41 innings. Kikuchi will look to keep rolling in his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next weekend against the Angels. |
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| Aug 31 2024 | Kikuchi (7-9) earned the win over Kansas City on Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and no walks while striking out 12 batters over seven innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi racked up 20 swinging strikes on his way to a season-high 12 punchouts, falling just one K shy of his career-high mark. The southpaw kept the Royals off the board for six frames before allowing a run on a pair of singles and a fielder's choice in the seventh, but he was able to get through that frame with no additional damage to complete seven innings for the first time since July 9. The Astros' trade for Kikuchi at the deadline didn't generate much buzz, but the hurler has been excellent since joining Houston, posting a 2.57 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 47:10 K:BB over six starts covering 35 frames. |
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| Aug 26 2024 | Kikuchi allowed three runs on two hits and three walks while striking out four over 5.2 innings in Sunday's win over the Orioles. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi cruised through four innings but allowed a leadoff single and then a walk in the fifth before Ramon Urias tied the game up with a three-run homer. Kikuchi went on to strike out the next three batters he faced but was pulled after a two-out walk in the sixth. Walks have been an issue for the lefty, as he's issued multiple walks in six of his last eight starts and hasn't reached six innings in any of them. Still, he's been a quality deadline addition for the Astros and now owns a 4.39 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 165:40 K:BB in 143.2 innings. Kikuchi lines up to face the Royals in his next start over the weekend. |
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| Aug 19 2024 | Kikuchi allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits and one walk while striking out seven batters over 5.2 innings in a no-decision against Boston on Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi fell behind early, giving up a leadoff homer to Jarren Duran on the first pitch of the contest. The Red Sox added an unearned run in the frame but managed only one more run -- again unearned -- before Kikuchi's exit with two outs in the sixth inning. Though he hasn't been able to complete six frames in any of his four outings in August, the southpaw has worked into the sixth on each occasion and hasn't given up more than two earned runs. Kikuchi also continues to pile up strikeouts -- he has 31 over 22.1 innings during the four-start stretch and is up to 161 across 138 frames on the campaign. |
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| Aug 13 2024 | Kikuchi (6-9) earned the win Tuesday over the Rays, allowing one run on three hits over 5.2 innings. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi allowed a lone run in the second inning before rebounding to retire 12 of the final 14 batters he faced en route to a 3-2 Astros win. The 33-year-old Kikuchi has allowed just five runs in three starts (16.2 innings) since joining Houston after struggling to a 7.75 ERA in his final eight outings with the Blue Jays. Overall, the left-hander sports a 4.49 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP and 154:36 K:BB through 132.1 innings this year. Kikuchi is currently lined up to face the Red Sox at home early next week in his next start. |
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| Aug 7 2024 | Kikuchi (5-9) picked up the win Wednesday against the Rangers, allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out eight in 5.1 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was sharp Wednesday, tallying eight strikeouts while allowing just one extra-base hit -- a solo home run by Marcus Semien in the sixth inning. The southpaw has been excellent in his first two starts in an Astros uniform, pitching to a 3.27 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with an impressive 19 strikeouts in 11 innings. Even with the recent success, Kikuchi remains a volatile fantasy option due to his high walk rate -- the 33-year-old has issued multiple free passes in each of his past five starts, failing to pitch six innings in any of those appearances. He is currently scheduled for a road start in Tampa early next week. |
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| Aug 2 2024 | Kikuchi did not factor into the decision in Friday's 3-2 win over the Rays. He allowed two runs on three hits and three walks with 11 strikeouts over 5.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi gave up a double and home run to the first two batters he faced as a member of the Astros and then proceeded to get 17 outs while giving up one hit. The 11 strikeouts were the most by an Astros pitcher in his team debut since Gerrit Cole in 2018 and tied for the fourth most in a debut in team history. Kikuchi now has 43 strikeouts in his last five starts (26.1 innings), but he's also allowed 20 runs in that stretch. |
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| Jul 31 2024 | Kikuchi is scheduled to make his first start with the Astros on Friday versus the Rays in Houston, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Astros didn't need to open up a spot in their rotation for Kikuchi, as fifth starter Jake Bloss was sent back to Toronto along with outfielder Joey Loperfido and infielder Will Wagner in Monday's trade that landed the veteran southpaw in Houston. Kikuchi had cruised to a 2.64 ERA and 1.12 WHIP while delivering quality starts in six of his first 10 outings with Toronto this season, but aside from a career-best 13-strikeout effort July 9 in San Francisco, he had often been knocked around by opposing lineups over the past two months before being traded. He posted a strong 69:17 K:BB in 57.2 innings in his final 12 starts with Toronto but he also gave up 13 home runs during that stretch, which led to an inflated 6.87 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. |
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| Jul 29 2024 | The Astros acquired Kikuchi from the Blue Jays on Monday in exchange for outfielder Joey Loperfido, right-hander Jake Bloss and infielder Will Wagner, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi will head to Houston after producing a disappointing 4.75 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 130 strikeouts over 115.2 innings in 22 starts with Toronto this season. The left-hander has struggled to a 6.87 ERA over his last 12 starts, but he'll look to get back on track with the Astros. Kikuchi will return to the AL West after spending the first three years of his major-league career with the Mariners from 2019 through 2021. |
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| Jul 26 2024 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Rangers, allowing five runs on eight hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's been a struggle for Kikuchi of late -- the left-hander has now gone eight starts without a win, posting a 7.79 ERA in that span while failing to make it through six innings in seven of those outings. Overall, Kikuchi is 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 130:30 K:BB across 115.2 innings. Despite his recent troubles, Kikuchi could very well be on the move prior to next week's trade deadline, with multiple contenders looking to reinforce their rotations. |
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| Jul 20 2024 | Kikuchi (4-9) took the loss against the Tigers on Saturday, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks with eight strikeouts over five innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi allowed one run over his first five frames but loaded the bases to open the sixth. He was pulled at 94 pitches and all three inherited runners scored on a grand slam. The southpaw generated an impressive 15 swinging strikes, but he has now yielded at least four earned runs in six of his past 10 starts and hasn't won a game since June 11. On the season, he owns a 4.54 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 125:28 K:BB over 111 innings and lines up for a home matchup with the Rangers next week. |
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| Jul 15 2024 | Kikuchi allowed seven runs on six hits and three walks while striking out six over 4.2 innings Sunday against the Diamondbacks. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi had no trouble getting through four innings and went into the fifth with a 7-0 lead that quickly evaporated. Kikuchi loaded the bases after allowing an infield single and two walks before Ketel Marte took him deep. Kikuchi was left in the game and could not help his own cause. He allowed another walk and a base hit before punching out Christian Walker for the second out of the inning. From there, Kikuchi gave up another run-scoring single and then hit Jake McCarthy before he finally was pulled from the game. Both inherited runners went on to score before the frame concluded. The seven runs allowed were Kikuchi's most in a game this season and he now has not picked up a win since June 11. The lefty will head into the break with a 4.42 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 117:26 K:BB in 106 innings. |
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| Jul 10 2024 | Kikuchi did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Giants. He allowed two runs on six hits and struck out 13 over 7.1 innings while not walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi set a new career high with 13 strikeouts in this one and notched his fifth career 10-strikeout game. Both runs against him came via the long ball. Heliot Ramos took him deep in the fourth and then Tyler Fitzgerald led off the eighth with a solo blast, which ended Kikuchi's night at 100 pitches. He was still in line for the win at that point with the Blue Jays leading 3-2, but that lead was eventually squandered in the ninth. Tuesday's outing certainly boosted Kikuchi's trade value if the Blue Jays end up selling at the deadline. However, he does have a 6.38 ERA and has given up eight homers over his last five starts. For the year, Kikuchi owns a 4.00 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 111:23 K:BB in 101.1 innings. He lines up for another start over the weekend against the Diamondbacks before the All-Star break. |
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| Jul 4 2024 | Kikuchi allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five batters over 5.2 innings in a no-decision against Houston on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi gave up just one run through five frames before serving up a solo shot to Yordan Alvarez in the sixth. The southpaw got two more outs in the inning but was pulled one out shy of a quality start following a Jeremy Pena double. Despite that disappointment, this was a positive outing for Kikuchi after he had given up 13 runs across 11 frames over his final three starts of June. The hurler has fallen off after a strong start to the campaign -- across his past eight appearances, he has just one quality start while registering a 6.50 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 37:10 K:BB across 36 innings. |
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| Jun 28 2024 | Kikuchi (4-8) took the loss Friday as the Blue Jays were routed 16-5 by the Yankees, giving up four runs on four hits and a walk over five-plus innings. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw was sharp to begin the game and actually took a 3-1 lead into the top of the sixth inning, but after allowing two straight singles to open the frame, Juan Soto flipped the script with a three-run blast that chased Kikuchi from the game. Kikuchi has been tagged for 13 runs in only 11 innings over his last three starts, inflating his ERA to 4.18 with a 1.31 WHIP and 93:21 K:BB through 88.1 innings. He'll look to turn things around in his next outing, which is scheduled to come at home next week against the Astros. |
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| Jun 23 2024 | Kikuchi (4-7) picked up a loss after he pitched two innings, giving up four runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out three batters in Sunday's 6-5 defeat to Cleveland. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was once again ineffective on the mound Sunday, giving up one run in the first inning before the game went into a rain delay after he allowed another run to score and loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the third. Zach Pop replaced Kikuchi on the mound following the delay, allowing two of the inherited runners to score. Kikuchi has been in quite the rut for a while now, allowing 20 earned runs over 25.1 innings in his last six outings. The rough stretch has seen his ERA balloon from 2.64 to 4.00 on the year over 83.1 innings in 16 starts. The left-hander is tentatively set to return to the mound for a tough matchup against the Yankees on Friday. |
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| Jun 17 2024 | Kikuchi (4-6) allowed five runs on seven hits over four innings Monday, striking out seven and taking a loss against Boston. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was cursed by the long ball Monday, coughing up four solo shots in the first three innings. Tyler O'Neill accounted for two of them, including in the first inning when he went back-to-back with Rafael Devers. Kikuchi had allowed just four home runs over his previous six starts entering Monday and had not given up multiple long balls in any start this season. He's registered a 6.17 ERA over his last five starts, bumping his season ERA to 3.65 through 81.1 frames. Kikuchi's next start is projected to be in Cleveland. |
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| Jun 11 2024 | Kikuchi (4-5) allowed three hits and four walks while striking out five over five shutout innings to earn the win over the Brewers on Tuesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi's four walks ran up his pitch count quickly, but it was an otherwise strong performance. This was just the second time in his last 11 outings that he's walked multiple batters. The southpaw has won his last two starts and now has a 3.26 ERA on the year with a 1.23 WHIP and 76:19 K:BB through 77.1 innings over 14 starts. Kikuchi's next start is projected to be at home versus the Red Sox. |
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| Jun 6 2024 | Kikuchi (3-5) earned the win Thursday over Baltimore, allowing one run on four hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi held the Orioles scoreless through his first five innings, ultimately allowing a lone run on an Adley Rutschman solo home run in the sixth. It was an encouraging rebound effort from the 32-year-old left-hander, who'd given up 10 earned runs over just 8.1 innings in his previous two outings. Kikuchi lowered his ERA to 3.48 on the campaign with a 1.22 WHIP and 71:15 K:BB across 13 starts (72.1 innings). Kikuchi is currently scheduled to face the Brewers on the road in his next outing. |
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| Jun 2 2024 | Kikuchi (2-5) took the loss Saturday as the Blue Jays fell 8-1 to the Pirates, coughing up six runs (five earned) on nine hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Pittsburgh jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, and while Kikuchi was able to avoid an early exit, he still wound up putting extra pressure on a Toronto bullpen that had already been taxed by a 14-inning game Friday. The southpaw left the mound after 89 pitches (61 strikes), and he's been tagged for 10 earned runs in 8.1 frames over his last two starts -- a far cry from the prior six weeks, during which he delivered six quality starts in eight outings with a 2.61 ERA. Kikuchi will look to rebound when he next takes the mound, which is scheduled to come at home next week against the Orioles. |
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| May 26 2024 | Kikuchi escaped Sunday's 14-11 loss to Detroit with a no-decision, yielding five earned runs on eight hits over just three innings. He did not record a walk or strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi got roughed up in this one, surrendering four extra-base hits including a solo home run to Spencer Torkelson. The five earned runs are a season high for Kikuchi, who entered this game on a four-game streak allowing two runs or fewer. The 32-year-old still sports a solid 3.25 ERA after Sunday's outing, but more regression could be coming if his 0.74 HR/9 normalizes to his career average of 1.56. His is tentatively slated for a home start next weekend against the Pirates. |
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| May 21 2024 | Kikuchi (2-4) took the loss Tuesday against the White Sox, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks across six innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tuesday's performance marked Kikuchi's third quality start in his last four appearances. However, he owns a 0-2 record during that stretch as the Blue Jays have struggled offensively. The 33-year-old walked multiple batters for the first time since April 10 and was charged with two earned runs or fewer for the eighth time in 10 outings. On the year, Kikuchi owns a 2.64 ERA -- which would be a career-best tally -- with 61 strikeouts across 58.0 innings. He's tentatively scheduled to face the Tigers on Sunday. |
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| May 15 2024 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against Baltimore, allowing one run on six hits and a walk in 4.1 innings. He struck out nine. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi needed 88 pitches to record 11 outs, though he limited Baltimore to one run on Jordan Westburg's lead-off homer in the first while recording nine strikeouts for the third time this season. Kikuchi had gone at least six innings in his previous six starts -- he's 2-3 on the year with a 2.60 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 55:10 K:BB across 52 innings. The left-hander is currently on track to face the White Sox at home in his next start. |
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| May 11 2024 | Kikuchi (2-3) took the loss Friday as the Blue Jays were downed 3-2 by the Twins, giving up two runs on four hits over eight innings. He struck out three without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander pounded the strike zone, firing 68 of 97 pitches for strikes in his fifth quality start of the year, and he generated plenty of weak contact -- even Carlos Santana's solo homer in the fifth inning had a sub-100 mph exit velocity and barely made it over the fence down the right-field line. It was the longest outing of Kikuchi's Toronto tenure, and his longest MLB start since he gave the Mariners a shutout win in August 2019, which coincidentally was against the Jays. Kikuchi will take a 2.64 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 46:9 K:BB through 47.2 innings into his next trip to the mound, which is scheduled to come on the road next week in Baltimore. |
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| May 3 2024 | Kikuchi came away with a no-decision in Friday's 9-3 loss to the Nationals, allowing one run on six hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out seven | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He carved up the Washington lineup en route to his fourth quality start of the season, generating 34 called or swinging strikes among his 100 pitches, and Kikuchi left the mound with Toronto ahead 3-1. Unfortunately, Erik Swanson immediately coughed up the lead in the seventh inning, denying Kikuchi his third win. The southpaw will take a 2.72 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 43:9 K:BB through 39.2 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Twins. |
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| Apr 27 2024 | Kikuchi (2-2) took the loss Saturday, giving up four runs on nine hits over six innings as the Blue Jays fell 4-2 to the Dodgers. He struck out three without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While the southpaw did manage to keep the ball in the yard, he still gave up some very loud contact, including three extra-base hits and an RBI single by Shohei Ohtani in the second inning that left his bat with a stunning exit velocity of 119.2 mph. Kikuchi saw his quality start streak end at three, but he'll take a strong 2.94 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 36:8 K:BB through 33.2 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come on the road next weekend against the Nationals. |
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| Apr 22 2024 | Kikuchi (2-1) yielded two runs on five hits over six innings Monday, striking out four and earning a win over the Royals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi cruised through five shutout frames before serving up a two-run shot to Maikel Garcia in the sixth inning. Kikuchi has now turned in three straight quality starts and has not allowed more than three runs in any outing this season. After a career year in 2023, the veteran southpaw has registered a terrific 2.28 ERA and 33:8 K:BB through five starts in 2024. Kikuchi is in line for a tough home matchup with the Dodgers this weekend. |
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| Apr 17 2024 | Kikuchi (1-1) picked up the win Tuesday in a 5-4 victory over the Yankees, allowing one run on four hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out nine. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander struck out Anthony Volpe, Juan Soto and Aaron Judge in the top of the first inning, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Kikuchi fired 62 of 94 strikes as he recorded his second straight quality start, and he fanned nine in each of those outings. He'll take a 2.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 29:8 K:BB through 21.2 innings into his next start, which lines up to come early next week in Kansas City. |
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| Apr 10 2024 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Mariners, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out nine. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After struggling in his first outing this year, Kikuchi's held opponents to just one run over 11.1 innings while striking out 16 in his subsequent two starts. However, the southpaw was stuck with another no-decision Wednesday, as the Blue Jays couldn't crack Logan Gilbert in an eventual extra-innings loss. Overall, Kikuchi is 0-1 with a 2.30 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 20:7 K:BB through his first 15.3 innings. He'll look for his first win in his next outing, tentatively scheduled for early next week on the road against the Yankees. |
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| Apr 5 2024 | Kikuchi (0-1) didn't factor into the decision Friday versus the Yankees, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out seven in 5.1 scoreless innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a strong bounce-back effort from Kikuchi, who allowed three runs over 4.1 innings in his first start of the year. The left-hander blanked the Yankees through 5.1 innings, though he'd ultimately wind up with a no-decision as the Jays couldn't get on the board until the seventh. Kikuchi is coming off a breakout 2023 campaign, where he went 11-6 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 181:48 K:BB in 32 starts. He's currently slated to face the Mariners at home in his next outing. |
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| Mar 30 2024 | Kikuchi (0-1) took the loss to the Rays on Saturday, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four over 4.1 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: One of the three runs charged to Kikuchi crossed the plate after he exited the game, but it was a middling performance, one that doesn't inspire much confidence with a trip to New York to face the Yankees coming up this week. Kikuchi gave up a homer to Randy Arozarena and then a single to Isaac Paredes to get the hook with just one out in the fifth inning. The left-hander took a big step forward last season and there should be plenty of better days ahead in 2024, but there will also likely be more days like Saturday where he just doesn't have his good stuff. |
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| Mar 11 2024 | Kikuchi gave up six runs on seven hits and two walks over 2.1 innings in a split-squad game against the Orioles on Sunday. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw tossed 38 of 60 pitches for strikes and settled down after a shaky first inning that saw him serve up a solo shot to Anthony Santander and a grand slam to Jackson Holliday. Kikuchi has an 8:2 K:BB through 4.1 spring frames, numbers that are more reassuring to potential fantasy investors than his 12.46 ERA in Grapefruit League play, and one bad outing in the spring isn't a major cause for concern. |
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| Feb 27 2024 | Kikuchi gave up one hit and struck out three batters over two scoreless innings in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw tossed 19 of 30 pitches for strikes. Kikuchi is coming off his best MLB season to date, posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 181:48 K:BB through 167.2 innings in 2023, but per Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic, he's looking to take another step forward by ditching his splitter for a circle change, a pitch that should have more separation from his mid-90s fastball. "His delivery was awesome, stuff was really good, too," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after Monday's game. "Changeup's going to be a big pitch for him - especially against those righties. I thought everything that he set out to do today, he did. Fastball command was there, slider was sharp - really, really good first outing for him." |
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| Sep 30 2023 | Kikuchi (11-6) picked up the win Friday, giving up three runs on five hits and two walks over five-plus innings in an 11-4 victory over the Rays. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw blanked Tampa for five innings before fading in the sixth and giving up three straight extra-base hits to open the frame, but the Jays were already up 8-0 at that point. Kikuchi stumbles into a likely postseason run -- Toronto needs just one more win, or a Seattle loss, to clinch a wild-card spot -- with a 5.02 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 35:10 K:BB through 28.2 innings in September. |
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| Sep 24 2023 | Kikuchi did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs on nine hits over four innings against Tampa Bay. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi's now gone five straight starts without pitching more than five innings. He appeared to be on a short leash Sunday, throwing just 73 pitches, after departing his previous start against the Yankees with cramps. Kikuchi will carry a 10-6 record with a 3.82 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 177 strikeouts into his final start of the regular season, tentatively scheduled as a rematch next weekend with the Rays. |
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| Sep 21 2023 | Kikuchi (neck) is scheduled to start Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi made an early exit from his last start Tuesday against the Yankees because of a left upper trap muscle cramp, but it was never much of a concern and he'll stay on turn this weekend versus the Rays. The 32-year-old left-hander holds a solid 3.74 ERA and 170:46 K:BB in 158.2 innings (30 starts) this season with Toronto. |
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| Sep 19 2023 | Kikuchi was removed from Tuesday's game against the Yankees with a left upper trap muscle cramp, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was able to get through five innings of one-run ball before cramping forced him out of the game. Kikuchi's status for his next start -- tentatively scheduled for Sunday -- remains up in the air, and he should be considered day-to-day until more details are provided. |
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| Sep 9 2023 | Kikuchi came away with a no-decision Friday in the Blue Jays' 5-4 win over the Royals, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw hasn't picked up a win in over a month, but he pitched well enough to earn one Friday, generating 32 called or swinging strikes on 88 pitches. During his winless streak, Kikuchi has posted a 3.24 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 41:9 K:BB through 33.1 innings, so his luck figures to turn at some point. He's next set to take the mound at home next week against the Rangers. |
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| Sep 2 2023 | Kikuchi (9-5) allowed six runs (two earned) on six hits and four walks while striking out six over 4.2 innings, taking the loss versus the Rockies on Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a five-start stretch of allowing one run or fewer, Kikuchi has been tagged for 13 runs (nine earned) over his last 15.1 innings. The Blue Jays' defense didn't do him any favors Saturday, as a pair of Ernie Clement errors at shortstop led to four of the Rockies' runs. Kikuchi is now at a 3.63 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 152:42 K:BB through 143.2 innings through 27 starts this season. His ratios are still the best he's posted in his five-year career. Kikuchi is lined up for a favorable home start versus the Royals next week. |
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| Aug 27 2023 | Kikuchi did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks over six innings against the Guardians. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi allowed two in the fourth, then two more in the sixth to earn the no decision. The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the sixth to give Kikuchi a chance to earn his 10th victory, but then gave up the lead in the eighth and later lost in extras. Kikuchi has now allowed seven runs over his past two outings, but has otherwise been outstanding of late, maintaining a 2.36 ERA with 50 strikeouts spanning 45.2 innings over his past eight starts. |
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| Aug 23 2023 | Kikuchi did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk over 4.2 innings in a 6-3 victory over the Orioles. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After allowing a run in the opening frame, Kikuchi delivered three scoreless frames before running into trouble in the fifth, allowing two more runs before he was pulled after throwing 82 pitches. It marks the first time Kikuchi allowed more than one run in a start since July 6 -- he'd worked to a 1.29 ERA over his prior six outings (35 innings). Overall, the 32-year-old left-hander is 9-4 with a 3.52 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 138:36 K:BB across 25 starts (133 innings) this season. Kikuchi is tentatively lined up for a home matchup with the Guardians this weekend. |
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| Aug 16 2023 | Kikuchi came away with a no-decision Tuesday in the Blue Jays' 2-1 win over the Phillies, allowing one run on four hits over six innings. He struck out seven without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw delivered his fourth straight quality start on an efficient 84 pitches (58 strikes), but Zack Wheeler was just as sharp for Philadelphia, leaving the bullpens to decide things. Since the All-Star break, Kikuchi has a stellar 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 36:8 K:BB through 35 innings. He's next set to take the mound on the road early next week against the Orioles. |
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| Aug 8 2023 | Kikuchi (9-4) took the loss Tuesday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk over seven innings against Cleveland. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was magnificent Tuesday, earning his third consecutive quality start. The 32-year-old's sole blemish came in the second inning when Oscar Gonzalez reached on an infield single and scored on a Ramon Laureano double. Kikuchi then retired 16 of the final 18 batters he faced; however, he didn't receive any run support and was tagged with an unfortunate loss. The southpaw has been lights out in five outings since the All-Star break, boasting a 1.24 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 29:8 K:BB across 29 innings during that stretch. Kikuchi will look to get back in the win column in his next start, which is projected to take place at home versus the Cubs over the weekend. |
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| Aug 3 2023 | Kikuchi (9-3) picked up the win in Wednesday's 4-1 victory over the Orioles, allowing one run on six hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw tossed 60 of 91 pitches for strikes in his second straight quality start. Kikuchi has an impressive 1.23 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB through 22 innings since the All-Star break, and his current form should allow him to hold onto a rotation spot even after Toronto cuts back down to a five-man unit later this month. He'll try to stay efficient and effective in his next outing, likely to come early next week in Cleveland. |
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| Jul 27 2023 | Kikuchi (8-3) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing one run on seven hits and two walks over six innings in an 8-1 victory over the Dodgers. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw delivered his first quality start since June 25 while generating an impressive 33 called or swinging strikes among his 103 pitches. Kikuchi wraps up July with a 3.91 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 31:8 K:BB through 25.1 innings on the month, and he'll need to keep pitching well if he wants to hang onto his rotation spot with Hyun Jin Ryu (elbow) on the verge of making his 2023 debut. |
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| Jul 21 2023 | Kikuchi allowed five hits and a walk while striking out eight over 5.1 scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Mariners on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi pitched into the sixth inning for the first time in four starts in July, and he delivered his third scoreless effort of the season. While he's had some struggles this year, the Blue Jays' bullpen was responsible for this loss. Kikuchi is now at a reasonable 3.92 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 108:31 K:BB over 103.1 innings through 20 starts. He's projected for a home start versus the Angels his next time out, though Kikuchi could be bumped up to a take a road start versus the Dodgers if Hyun Jin Ryu (elbow) needs one more rehab start in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. |
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| Jul 16 2023 | Kikuchi did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and three walks over 4.2 innings against the Diamondbacks. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Kikuchi only allowed two hits, he continuously put himself in difficult situations, walking three batters and hitting two others during 4.1 innings of work. The first run against Kikuchi came on an errant pickoff attempt that allowed Lourdes Gurriel to score in the first frame, while the second run came on a wild pitch that plated Nick Ahmed in the third. Kikuchi's lack of control was uncharacteristic, as he hadn't walked more than two batters in six straight appearances and had only hit one batter leading up to Sunday's outing. Kikuchi will look to regain his command in his next projected start, which is lined up to come against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park. |
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| Jul 6 2023 | Kikuchi allowed four runs on eight hits and no walks while striking out four batters over five innings in a no-decision against the White Sox in Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi displayed solid control (he threw 53 of 76 pitches for a strike) and racked up 14 whiffs, but he lasted just five frames. A third-inning two-run homer by Eloy Jimenez accounted for half the overall damage against the southpaw, who has given up nine runs over 9.1 innings through two starts in July. That follows what had looked to be a breakout month of June during which Kikuchi posted a 2.28 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 33:6 K:BB across 27.2 frames. |
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| Jul 2 2023 | Kikuchi (7-3) took the loss Saturday, allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks over 4.1 innings against Boston. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was first victimized by a two-run home run from Rafael Devers in the top of the third to put the Blue Jays down 2-1. He would again run into trouble in the fifth after giving up a leadoff single to Rob Refsnyder, surrendering another three runs in the inning on four hits as Boston added to its lead. It marked the lefty's first loss since May 24 against the Rays, which was also the last time he allowed five runs in a start this season. Kikuchi had made it through at least six innings in each of his previous two starts and now sports a 40:8 K:BB since the start of June following his seven-strikeout performance. |
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| Jun 25 2023 | Kikuchi (7-2) earned the win Sunday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over seven innings against the Athletics. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi lasted seven innings for the first time all season Sunday, giving up just one run to pick up his first win since May 30. The outing marked his second consecutive appearance allowing two hits while also being his second straight quality start. Over his last five appearances (32.2 innings), Kikuchi boasts a 2.48 ERA and a 37:11 K:BB despite dishing out six home runs. He's tentatively lined up for a home start against Boston late next week. |
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| Jun 20 2023 | Kikuchi didn't factor in the decision Tuesday in Miami after he allowed just two hits across six scoreless innings. He struck out six and didn't walk a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander surrendered only a pair of singles but missed out on a victory since Toronto wasn't able to break a scoreless tie until the eighth inning. The dominant outing ends a streak of seven straight starts in which Kikuchi failed to pitch beyond the fifth frame. He had a 5.40 ERA and gave up 11 home runs during that stretch. The 32-year-old tentatively lines up to next take the mound this weekend versus Oakland, which is a favorable matchup to build on Tuesday's performance. |
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| Jun 15 2023 | Kikuchi did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over 4.2 innings against the Orioles. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Aside from allowing an RBI single to Gunnar Henderson in the first, Kikuchi was able to pitch his way out of trouble through the first four innings while striking out six. However, he would go on to cough up the game-tying run on a leadoff homer from Adley Rutschman to start the fifth after leaving a four-seamer over the middle of the plate. The lefty has now allowed two earned runs in four consecutive starts while posting 19 strikeouts to only four walks in the month of June. |
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| Jun 10 2023 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Twins, giving up two runs on four hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Once again, the southpaw's inability to keep the ball in the park kept him from dominating -- Michael Taylor's two-run blast in the fifth inning put the Jays in a 2-0 hole, and Kikuchi exited the game in line for his third loss before his offense got him off the hook. The 31-year-old has served up 18 homers on the year -- tied with the Royals' Jordan Lyles for the most in the league -- and things have only gotten worse for Kikuchi as the weather has warmed up, as he's been taken deep 10 times in 28.2 innings over his last six starts. His fortunes may not improve in his next outing either, as he lines up for a road start next week against Baltimore and noted Jays-killer Ryan Mountcastle, who has three homers in nine career at-bats against Kikuchi. |
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| Jun 4 2023 | Kikuchi did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk over five innings against the Mets. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi has allowed two runs in each of his last two starts after pitching to a 7.90 ERA in his previous three outings. Tommy Pham was responsible for both of the runs against Kikuchi on Sunday, with a pair of solo homers. The 31-year-old left-hander is 6-2 with a 4.40 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 60:20 K:BB through 12 starts (61.1 innings) this season. He's tentatively lined up to face the Twins at home in his next outing. |
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| May 30 2023 | Kikuchi (6-2) picked up the win Tuesday, giving up two runs on three hits and five walks over five innings in a 7-2 victory over the Brewers. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw had trouble finding the plate consistently, tossing only 55 of 98 pitches for strikes and issuing a season-high five free passes, but aside from a first-inning homer by William Contreras, he was able to come away unscathed. Kikuchi also continues to have trouble keeping the ball in the park -- he's served up seven home runs in his last four starts, and 15 in 56.1 innings on the season. He'll take a 4.47 ERA and 52:19 K:BB into his next outing, likely to come this weekend on the road against the Mets. |
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| May 20 2023 | Kikuchi (5-1) took the loss Friday as the Blue Jays fell 6-2 to the Orioles, giving up three runs on three hits and four walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All three runs came on a Ryan Mountcastle long ball in the third inning, but Kikuchi was somewhat lucky to escape without more damage. The 31-year-old southpaw has been taken deep six times in his last four starts, and on the season his 4.08 ERA hides an ominous 5.64 FIP while coming with a 1.32 WHIP and 43:12 K:BB through 46.1 innings. Kikuchi's next start will likely come on the road next week in Tampa Bay. |
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| May 14 2023 | Kikuchi did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits and zero walks across four innings during a 6-5 win over Atlanta. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite recording seven strikeouts, Kikuchi surrendered at least one run in each of his four innings, but he was let off the hook as the Blue Jays walked off Atlanta in the ninth. The left-hander has been a hit-or-miss player this season, allowing one or fewer earned runs in five of his eight starts while surrendering four or more in the other three outings. He'll look to get back on track during his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for a three-game weekend set versus the Orioles. |
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| May 7 2023 | Kikuchi (5-0) earned the win Sunday, allowing no runs on four hits and two walks over 6.1 innings against the Pirates. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi returned to form Sunday after allowing five runs in his last start in Boston. The 31-year-old lefthander has allowed one run or fewer in five of his seven starts this season. Kikuchi lowered his ERA to 3.35 with a 1.19 WHIP and 33:8 K:BB through 37.2 innings. Improved command has been vital to Kikuchi's early-season success. His walk rate is down to 4.7 percent from 12.8 percent last year |
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| May 3 2023 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 7-6 loss to the Red Sox, coughing up five runs on nine hits over 4.1 innings. He struck out two without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw got hit hard, as five of the nine hits off him went for extra bases including homers by Christian Arroyo and Masataka Yoshida. Kikuchi is once again having trouble keeping the ball in the park -- after serving up 23 homers in 100.2 innings in 2022 (a 2.06 HR/9), he's already been taken deep eight times in 31.1 innings to begin 2023 (a 2.30 HR/9), and only some good fortune has kept his 4.02 ERA from being closer to his 5.44 FIP. He could be a risky play in his next outing, likely to come this weekend on the road against the surprising Pirates. |
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| Apr 4 2023 | Kikuchi (1-0) earned the win Tuesday at Kansas City after he allowed one run on three hits across five innings. He had two strikeouts and one walk. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander showed strong command in his season debut, throwing 47 of his 69 pitches for strikes. The improved control is a welcome sign after Kikuchi posted a 5.2 BB/9 last year, which helped lead to his move from the rotation to the bullpen. One outing is hardly a trend, and the 31-year-old will attempt to replicate his strong debut next time out Sunday against the Angels. |
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| Mar 18 2023 | Kikuchi gave up two runs on one hit and three walks over 3.1 innings in Friday's split-squad game against the Phillies. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw got stretched out to 76 pitches, but only 46 of them went for strikes. Kikuchi looked good early in camp but his control has begun to desert him again with Opening Day growing closer, and he now has a 16:9 K:BB through 13 spring innings despite a superficially strong 1.38 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. The 31-year-old has a career 5.02 ERA and 3.67 BB/9 since coming to MLB in 2019, and there's been no real sign this spring he's going to be any more reliable in 2023. |
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| Mar 13 2023 | Kikuchi allowed four hits and three walks over 2.2 scoreless innings while striking out four in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw ended up throwing 61 pitches (38 strikes) to get just eight outs, even if four of them did come via strikeout. Kikuchi remains the favorite to break camp with the No. 5 spot in the Blue Jays' rotation, and while he has yet to allow a run through four spring starts, his 13:6 K:BB in 9.2 innings is a reminder of both his tantalizing upside, and his erratic career in MLB to date. |
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| Mar 2 2023 | Kikuchi walked one and struck out two over two scoreless, no-hit innings in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw has gotten his spring off to a quick start as he looks to secure the fifth starter role for the Blue Jays, tossing four scoreless innings in two starts with seven strikeouts and only one free pass. Kikuchi has struggled during his four years in MLB after a strong career in Japan, but he still has quality stuff and Toronto believes he can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Robbie Ray as a successful reclamation project for pitching coach Pete Walker. |
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| Feb 26 2023 | Kikuchi seemed more focused on the mound during his spring debut Saturday against the Pirates, a change that may have been prompted by MLB's new pitch clock, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old left-hander has had a very up-and-down MLB career so far, posting an ERA under 5.00 only once in four seasons, but Kikuchi's arm talent has never been in question. Being forced to work more quickly could prove to be a boon for him, as he won't be able to overthink things and will simply have to get the ball to the plate. "I think the clock is going to help him with the way he worked," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Saturday. "The tempo was fabulous." Kikuchi worked two scoreless innings against Pittsburgh, giving up one hit and striking out five, and if he continues to impress in camp he should emerge as the favorite for the fifth starter spot ahead of Mitch White (shoulder). |
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| Feb 23 2023 | Kikuchi told Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker that "it's the best he's felt in five years," Walker relayed to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: "His confidence level is high right now. He's excited," Walker added. Kikuchi -- who will start the Jays' Grapefruit League opener Saturday -- has made tweaks to his delivery and looks sharp early on this spring. The left-hander posted a 5.19 ERA in his disappointing first season in Toronto, but he did strike out 124 over 100.2 innings and is viewed as the favorite to capture the fifth spot in the rotation. |
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| Feb 16 2023 | Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Thursday that Kikuchi has made encouraging adjustments to his delivery, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: "I love what I've seen out of Yusei so far," said Schneider. "He's made some small tweaks with his arm path and spent a lot of time in the offseason working on it." Kikuchi is expected to contend with Mitch White this spring for the final spot in the Jays' season-opening starting rotation. The 31-year-old left-hander struggled to a 5.19 ERA in 100.2 innings last season for Toronto. |
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| Dec 2 2022 | Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins said Thursday the team wants to "learn more and see more" before locking Kikuchi into the rotation for 2023, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi joined Toronto on a three-year, $36 million deal in March and endured a rough first season with the team, as he finished with a 5.19 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 124:58 K:BB across 100.2 innings. He started in 20 of 32 appearances but also struggled in his 12 relief outings. The Blue Jays may need to add a couple starters in free agency for Kikuchi to comfortably be kept out of the rotation to begin 2023 since Hyun Jin Ryu (elbow) won't be available until the second half of the season, at least. |
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| Oct 2 2022 | Kikuchi is the leading candidate to start Wednesday in Baltimore, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's Alek Manoah's turn in the rotation, but the Jays will seemingly save him for the playoffs. Kikuchi's strikeouts spiked after a move to the bullpen Aug. 17, as he has 31 strikeouts over 16.2 innings. However, he has remained ineffective at preventing runs, logging a 5.40 ERA and 1.56 WHIP while surrendering four home runs and walking nine across that stretch. |
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| Aug 17 2022 | Interim manager John Schneider said Wednesday that Kikuchi will transition to a relief role, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old has surrendered 14 runs (11 earned) over 17.1 innings since the All-Star break and has a 5.25 ERA for the season, and the Blue Jays have seen enough with him in the rotation. Mitch White will step into the rotation Saturday against the Yankees with Kikuchi now in the bullpen. |
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| Aug 16 2022 | Kikuchi (4-7) took the loss Monday as the Blue Jays were downed 7-3 by the Orioles, coughing up six runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks over 3.1 innings. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw's own error on a pickoff attempt in the fourth inning was just one of Toronto's defensive miscues on the night, helping to soften the blow to his ERA, but Kikuchi was hit hard when he did allow contact -- three of the four hits off him went for extra bases, including a two-run homer by Jays nemesis Ryan Mountcastle. Since returning to the rotation at the end of July, Kikuchi has a 5.71 ERA thanks to a 2.6 HR/9 despite an otherwise solid 1.33 WHIP and 17:8 K:BB through 17.1 innings. |
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| Aug 9 2022 | Kikuchi (4-6) took the loss Monday as the Blue Jays fell 7-4 to the Orioles, coughing up five runs on six hits -- including three home runs -- and three walks over five innings. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw tossed 52 of 84 pitches for strikes, but once again bad things tended to happen when he was over the plate. Kikuchi gave up only four homers in 41.1 innings through the end of May, but his season has been a disaster since as he's been taken deep multiple times in five of his last 10 starts, leading to a 6.93 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 44:22 K:BB over his last 37.2 frames. |
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| Aug 3 2022 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Rays, giving up two runs on three hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw put together a solid line but got the hook after 74 pitches (44 strikes), as Toronto interim manager John Schneider didn't want him to face the Tampa Bay batting order for a third time. Kikuchi has been solid in two starts since returning from the IL, allowing three runs in nine innings with a 10:2 K:BB, but his 4.86 ERA on the season remains lackluster. |
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| Jul 28 2022 | Kikuchi (4-5) earned the win over Detroit on Thursday, pitching five innings and allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out five batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was activated earlier in the day after spending three weeks on the injured list due to a neck strain, and he was able to give Toronto 67 pitches and five innings en route to the victory. The only run against him came on a second-inning home run off the bat of Willi Castro. Kikuchi has completed five innings in only seven of 17 starts this season, so it was particularly notable that he was able to reach that mark in his first contest coming off an injury. |
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| Jul 27 2022 | Kikuchi (neck) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Thursday's home game against the Tigers, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi has been on the IL since July 7 due to a neck strain, but he began a rehab assignment last week and allowed two hits and three walks while striking out four in five scoreless innings during his lone minor-league start. He threw a side session Tuesday and has been cleared to rejoin the Blue Jays' rotation for Thursday's series opener against the Tigers. Kikuchi threw 77 pitches during his rehab start, so he should be able to handle a relatively significant workload against a favorable opponent. |
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| Jul 26 2022 | Kikuchi (neck) threw a side session Tuesday and could be activated to start Thursday versus Detroit, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's unclear how long the club will wait to announce when Kikuchi is returning. The lefty struggled prior to his injury, posting a 7.99 ERA in 23.2 innings over his last seven starts, but the Tigers' hapless lineup could help him ease back into MLB action. |
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| Jul 25 2022 | Kikuchi (neck) covered five scoreless innings and struck out four in his rehab start Friday with Triple-A Buffalo. He scattered two hits and three walks in the outing. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Blue Jays have yet to officially announce Kikuchi's next step, but since the veteran southpaw turned in quality results in his rehab outing while building up to 77 pitches, he should be ready to re-enter the rotation when the big club requires a fifth starter during their four-game series with the Tigers later this week. Though a potential matchup with a punchless Detroit offense is a good one for Kikuchi, he's been difficult to trust from a fantasy standpoint when healthy this season. Over 16 starts with Toronto, Kikuchi owns a 5.12 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 74:41 K:BB across 65 innings. |
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| Jul 22 2022 | Kikuchi (neck) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi landed on the injured list due to a neck strain July 7 and will require at least one rehab start prior to rejoining the Blue Jays' rotation. It's not yet clear how many appearances the southpaw will make with the minor-league club, but he'll likely be in the mix to return sometime next week or in early August. |
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| Jul 12 2022 | Kikuchi (neck) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi isn't eligible to return from the 15-day injured list this week after he was deactivated July 7 due to a neck strain, but the fact that he's back on the mound already suggests he won't be in store for an extended absence. Even if he remains uninhibited as he builds back up from the injury, Kikuchi may not be guaranteed a spot in the Toronto rotation upon his return from the IL. The veteran southpaw was productive over a stretch of five starts in May, but he's mostly struggled in his other 11 outings on the season. He'll carry a 5.12 ERA and 1.57 WHIP into the All-Star break. |
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| Jul 7 2022 | Kikuchi was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a neck strain Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi struggled in his start Tuesday at Oakland, allowing four earned runs across 2.1 innings. There was no indication that he dealt with an injury during the game, though he'll now be sidelined until at least late July. The team has not announced a replacement in the rotation, but Thomas Hatch recently made an unsuccessful spot start for the big-league club and Max Castillo was recalled to fill Kikuchi's spot on the roster. |
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| Jul 5 2022 | Kikuchi (3-5) allowed four runs on two hits, five walks and two hit batters in 2.1 innings, taking the loss against the Athletics on Tuesday. He did not record a strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi finished June on a high note with a quality start versus the Rays, but he was right back to poor form Tuesday. This was the third time in his last six starts that he's failed to complete three innings. The 31-year-old southpaw is at a 5.12 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 74:41 K:BB through 65 innings in 16 starts overall. Given his inability to pitch deep into games, Kikuchi remains a risky fantasy play heading into a road start versus his former team, the Mariners, this weekend. |
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| Jun 30 2022 | Kikuchi (3-4) earned the win Thursday over Tampa Bay, striking out eight in six innings while allowing a run on four hits and a walk. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi struck out seven of the first 13 batters he faced. The lone run against him came on Isaac Paredes' fourth-inning solo homer. It was a much-needed quality start for the lefty as he hadn't pitched more than five innings in a game since May 16. He closed out June on a high note, improving his numbers for the month to 7.17 ERA and 1.83 WHIP in 21.1 innings across six starts. |
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| Jun 26 2022 | Kikuchi (2-4) took the loss to the Brewers on Saturday, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out five and walking one over two innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi gave up five runs, two of which were earned, to the Brewers. He threw 43 of 69 pitches for strikes across just two frames. Kikuchi has not reached five innings pitched in a game since May 25 and has met that mark in only five of 14 games this season. The lefty allowed at least two earned runs for the 11th time this season and will take a 5.08 ERA into his next appearance. |
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| Jun 19 2022 | Kikuchi allowed three runs on three hits and two walks over four innings in Sunday's win over the Yankees. He struck out five and did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi coughed up two homers in the short outing, including a two-run blast from Josh Donaldson in the third inning. He failed to complete five innings for the fourth straight start, posting a brutal 9.45 ERA while allowing seven home runs during that span. The 31-year-old owns a 61:34 K:BB and a 4.94 ERA through 13 starts this season. Kikuchi is lined up to start in Milwaukee next week. |
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| Jun 15 2022 | Kikuchi (2-3) took the loss Tuesday as the Blue Jays were downed 6-5 by the Orioles, giving up four runs on five hits and four walks over four-plus innings. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw came out to begin the fifth inning, but after serving up a solo shot to Austin Hays that put the Jays behind for good, Kikuchi got the hook after 68 pitches (41 strikes). He's issued four free passes in back-to-back starts and has failed to last longer than five innings in five straight, posting a brutal 7.23 ERA, 1.98 WHIP and 23:12 K:BB through 18.2 innings over that stretch. Kikuchi had a 3.38 ERA and 1.28 WHIP prior to that downturn, however, so it's unlikely Toronto will pull the plug on his rotation spot any time soon. |
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| Jun 9 2022 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 8-4 loss to the Royals, giving up three runs on two hits and four walks while recording only two outs, both via strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw simply didn't have it in this one, tossing just 24 of 45 pitches for strikes before getting yanked. Fortunately for Kikuchi, the Blue Jays were able to tie the game briefly in the third inning to get him off the hook for his third loss of the year. He's now failed to last at least five innings in three of his last four starts, and Kikuchi will carry a 4.44 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 52:28 K:BB through 46.2 innings into his next outing. |
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| Jun 4 2022 | Kikuchi (2-2) took the loss Friday as the Blue Jays got thumped 9-3 by the Twins, giving up four runs on seven hits -- including three home runs -- over 4.2 innings. He struck out six without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The two teams combined for seven homers in total, and Kikuchi's slight lack of command within the strike zone proved costly. It was a big step back for the southpaw, who served up only one home run in 26.2 innings over the entire month of May. Kikuchi still tossed 48 of 67 pitches for strikes in this outing, and he'll take a 3.91 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 50:24 K:BB through 46 innings into his next start on the road versus the Royals next week. |
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| May 28 2022 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision during Saturday's 6-5 victory over the Angels, allowing two runs on nine hits and one walk with four strikeouts in five innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was able to keep Los Angeles off the board until the fifth inning, when he put on four runners and let in two runs. The 30-year-old has now failed to surpass 5.1 innings in seven of his nine starts and Saturday's one-walk performance was only his second start eclipsing that threshold. Kikuchi takes a 3.47 ERA and 1.27 WHIP into his next start, scheduled to come next weekend against Minnesota. |
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| May 22 2022 | Kikuchi allowed two runs on two hits and three walks over 4.1 innings in Sunday's loss to the Reds. He struck out seven and did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi coughed up a ground-rule double to Aristides Aquino in the first inning but managed to retire 10 straight batters shortly after. He needed 86 pitches (49 strikes) to get through 4.1 frames, his shortest start since April 29. The 30-year-old southpaw is now sporting a 3.47 ERA and a 40:22 K:BB through eight starts. Kikuchi is projected to face the Angels on the road next weekend. |
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| May 16 2022 | Kikuchi (2-1) earned the win Monday after pitching six scoreless innings against the Mariners, giving up one hit and three walks while striking out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 30-year-old was masterful Monday, limiting the Mariners to just four baserunners over six frames while registering his second win and second quality start of the year. Over his last three starts, Kikuchi has posted a 1.56 ERA and 0.75 WHIP with 20 punchouts over 17.1 innings. On the season, the left-hander owns a 3.38 ERA and 1.28 WHIP while allowing a career-low 5.91 H/9 over 32 innings. |
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| May 11 2022 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Yankees, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw was headed for his second win of the season until Aaron Judge walked it off with a three-run blast off Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano in the bottom of the ninth inning. Kikuchi appears to have turned a corner, posting a 14:4 K:BB in 11.1 innings over his last two starts with a 2.38 ERA and 0.79 WHIP, but Seattle fans can attest to the rollercoaster ride that the Kikuchi experience can be over a full season. |
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| May 4 2022 | Kikuchi picked up the win Wednesday after tossing six innings, surrendering one run on three hits and a walk while striking out seven against the Yankees. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi put together his best outing of the season Wednesday, ultimately ending the Yankees' 11-game win streak. The 30-year-old notched a season-high seven strikeouts on his way to his first quality start and win of the campaign. The only blemish on his line came in the top of the third inning when Joey Gallo took him deep for a solo shot. Kikuchi now owns a 4.35 ERA and 1.55 WHIP while registering 20 strikeouts over 20.2 innings. |
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| Apr 24 2022 | Kikuchi allowed four runs (two earned) on three hits and five walks over 3.2 innings in Sunday's loss to Houston. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi faced eight batters in the second inning but escaped after allowing just two runs, including a bases-loaded walk to Alex Bregman. He later coughed up a two-run shot to Michael Brantley in the fourth that bounced him from the game. The 30-year-old lefty saw his ERA climb to 3.75 through 12 innings this season. Kikuchi is expected to get a rematch with the Astros at home next week. |
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| Apr 19 2022 | Kikuchi tossed five innings of one-run ball, surrendering three hits while walking three batters and striking out three in Tuesday's loss to the Red Sox. He did not factor into the game's decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The only blemish on Kikuchi's line came in the bottom of the third inning when Enrique Hernandez scored on a Trevor Story double. Overall, the 30-year-old has a 0-1 record and has allowed three runs while striking out five batters over 8.1 innings this season. Kikuchi will look to get his first win of the 2022 campaign when the Blue Jays take on the Astros in Houston on Sunday. |
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| Apr 13 2022 | Kikuchi (0-1) took the loss Tuesday, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits and two walks over 3.1 innings as the Blue Jays were downed 4-0 by the Yankees. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw got little help from his offense or defense, but Kikuchi created his own problems, throwing only 49 of 84 pitches for strikes before exiting his Toronto debut. Control issues are nothing new for the 30-year-old since he came to MLB, but he'll look to tighten things up in his next outing, scheduled for Sunday at home against the A's. |
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| Apr 4 2022 | Kikuchi will work an intrasquad game Wednesday at the Blue Jays' spring training complex before making his first start of the season Apr. 12 against the Yankees, Laura Armstrong of The Toronto Star reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The rest of the team will break camp and head north Tuesday, but Kikuchi will stay behind to get in a bit more work. The southpaw has an 11:4 K:BB through 8.1 innings this spring but has also served up four homers, leading to a bloated 6.48 ERA in Grapefruit League action as he heads into his first season with Toronto. |
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| Apr 2 2022 | Kikuchi gave up one run on four hits and a walk over 3.2 innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Roberto Perez took him deep for a solo shot in the fourth inning, but prior to that Kikuchi was looking sharp. He worked his way up to 71 pitches (44 strikes) and appears just about ready for Opening Day as he gets ready to handle No. 5 starter duties for the Blue Jays, but the southpaw's spring has been a microcosm of his big-league performance to date. Kikuchi has an 11:4 K:BB through 8.1 innings but has also served up four homers. |
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| Mar 24 2022 | Kikuchi walked one and struck out four without allowing a hit over two scoreless innings in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a strong first appearance in a Blue Jays uniform for Kikuchi, who signed with the club earlier this month. The 30-year-old lefty couldn't find consistent success in the majors over three seasons with the Mariners, but if he can stick in the Toronto rotation he could be a source of wins and strikeouts in deeper fantasy leagues, even if his ratios may be erratic. |
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| Mar 12 2022 | Kikuchi signed a three-year, $13 million contract with the Blue Jays on Saturday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi declined his $13 million player option with the Mariners in early November, and he'll now land a multi-year deal with Toronto as spring training gets underway. The southpaw has made at least 29 starts in each of the last two full seasons, and he posted a 4.41 ERA, 163:62 K:BB and 1.32 WHIP in 157 innings during the 2021 campaign. He'll have a spot in the back end of the Blue Jays' talented rotation to begin the year. |
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| Nov 3 2021 | Kikuchi declined his $13 million player option Wednesday, Corey Brock of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi made 29 starts for the Mariners in 2021, and he posted a 4.41 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 163:62 K:BB in 157 innings. The 30-year-old's decision to turn down his player option comes as a bit of a surprise following his three seasons in Seattle, but he'll hit free agency ahead of the 2022 campaign. |
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| Sep 28 2021 | Kikuchi's turn in the rotation is being skipped Tuesday and he may not make another start this season. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tyler Anderson is starting Tuesday on short rest while top prospect Matt Brash was called up to piggyback Anderson. Logan Gilbert is listed as Wednesday's starter, so all signs point to Kikuchi moving to the bullpen over the final few games of the season. The 30-year-old lefty has a 7.82 ERA, 2.29 WHIP and 14:9 K:BB in 12.2 innings over his last four starts. |
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| Sep 23 2021 | Kikuchi may not take his next turn through the rotation, which is currently projected for Tuesday against the Athletics, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi allowed three earned runs on three hits and four walks across just three innings in his start Thursday against the Athletics. Manager Scott Servais was asked after the game if Kikuchi would make his next start as the team vies for a spot in the wild-card game, though the skipper did not tip his hand regarding the decision. Kikuchi has failed to complete more than three innings in three of his last four starts and allowed 11 earned runs across 12.2 frames in that four-start stretch, which has inflated his ERA to 4.41 on the season. |
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| Sep 19 2021 | Kikuchi (7-9) took the loss against Kansas City on Saturday, allowing three runs on eight hits and no walks while striking out three over three innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw gave up a pair of runs on four hits in the first inning, and things didn't get much better for him after that. The Royals managed two hits in each of the following two frames, with a pair of doubles in the third accounting for their third run. Kikuchi needed a whopping 86 pitches to get through three innings, leading to his early exit. He has lasted three or fewer innings in three of his past six starts, posting a 7.03 ERA and 1.77 WHIP over that stretch. His next trip to the mound is likely to come in Oakland next week. |
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| Sep 12 2021 | Kikuchi allowed one earned run on six hits and one walk while striking out eight across five innings in the loss to the Diamondbacks on Sunday. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi gave up just one extra-base hit in the game that led to his lone run allowed. He did not receive enough run support to be in line for the win. It was a much better start than his previous outing, when he failed to get out of the second inning. The 30-year-old has a 4.23 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 157 strikeouts in 151 innings this season. |
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| Sep 7 2021 | Kikuchi (7-8) allowed six runs (four earned) on three hits and four walks and didn't strike anybody out over just 1.2 innings as he took the loss Monday against the Astros. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Monday's was certainly a performance to forget for Kikuchi. He issued a walk in the first but didn't face any real trouble. He then walked three straight batters to begin the second frame and the bases eventually cleared after Jake Meyers hit a three-run homer to make it 5-0. The Astros continued to pile on with two more doubles to make it 6-0 before Kikuchi's night was finally over. The southpaw managed to throw just 19 of his 42 pitches for strikes and looked completely lost after blanking the Astros last week. It's hard to predict how Kikuchi's starts will go because he's really hit or miss at times. He now has a 4.32 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 149:57 K:BB over 146 innings and is tentatively in line for a weekend start against the Diamondbacks. |
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| Aug 31 2021 | Kikuchi got a no-decision in Tuesday's 4-0 win over Houston, allowing four hits and two walks with four strikeouts across seven innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was able to manage a formidable Astros lineup all game, with his biggest threats being two on one out situations in the second and fourth innings. The successful start is tied for the first-time All-Star's longest of the season while not permitting any runs and was his first quality start in five turns. He's set to face Houston again early next week. |
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| Aug 27 2021 | Kikuchi got a no-decision in Thursday's 6-4 loss to Kansas City, allowing four runs on four hits and a walk with three strikeouts in five innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Through five innings, Kikuchi faced 16 batters and allowed just two baserunners, but he put the first four Royals on base in the sixth and was removed with only 65 pitches. Reliever Joe Smith entered and served up a Salvador Perez grand slam to leave the 30-year-old with an ugly line for the game. Since representing Seattle in the All-Star Game, Kikuchi has struggled to a 6.46 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in eight second half starts. |
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| Aug 21 2021 | Kikuchi (7-7) allowed seven runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out two over just 2.2 innings in a loss to the Astros on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was hammered early and often Friday, allowing multiple runs in all three innings he pitched in before being pulled. Five of the seven runs he gave up came on a trio of long balls, marking the first time he's let up more than two homers in an outing this year. The 30-year-old southpaw has had little success against the Astros this year. In four games against the division rivals, Kikuchi is 1-2 with a 6.23 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 19:10 K:BB. Fortunately, he projects to have a softer matchup next week against the Royals. |
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| Aug 15 2021 | Kikuchi completed 4.1 innings against Toronto on Saturday, allowing three runs on five hits and four walks while striking out five. He did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander struggled with his control throughout the contest, tossing only 54 of 97 pitches for strikes and tying a season high with four walks. He managed to keep Seattle competitive, however, and the Mariners crafted a comeback in the late innings to help Kikuchi avoid his seventh loss. The 30-year-old has given up exactly three runs in three of his past five outings, though he entered Saturday's game having yielded just one earned run combined over his previous two starts. He'll carry a 3.82 ERA into his next projected appearance, which could be a tough matchup at Houston on Friday. |
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| Aug 8 2021 | Kikuchi allowed four hits and three walks while striking out six in five scoreless innings in Sunday's win over the Yankees. He didn't factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi posted his first scoreless outing in nearly two months during Sunday's start, but he had to settle for a no-decision in the low-scoring contest. The southpaw allowed seven runs in his first start after the All-Star break, but he's settled down since then and has posted a 2.86 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 22 innings across his last four appearances. He tentatively lines up to take the mound at home against the Blue Jays on Saturday. |
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| Aug 4 2021 | Kikuchi (7-6) picked up the win in Tuesday's 4-2 victory over the Rays, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw fired 59 of 92 pitches for strikes en route to his 13th quality start of the season and first win in over a month. He kept the Rays off-balance most of the night, and after serving up a leadoff homer to Randy Arozarena in the bottom of the first inning, Kikuchi gave up no further extra-base hits. He'll carry a 3.89 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 129:40 K:BB through 120.1 innings into his next outing. |
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| Jul 29 2021 | Kikuchi (6-6) was tagged with the loss Wednesday against the Astros after allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks across five innings, striking out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi didn't have his best stuff and delivered another subpar outing, as he has now allowed at least three earned runs in each of his last four contests. Even though he has fanned at least seven in three straight outings, the left-hander also owns an inflated 7.71 ERA during that aforementioned four-game stretch. |
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| Jul 24 2021 | Kikuchi allowed three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out 12 over six innings Friday against the Athletics. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi delivered an excellent bounce-back game after he was roughed up in his last two starts. He compiled 12 of his 17 whiffs with his changeup and his 12 strikeouts were a career-high mark. The 30-year-old southpaw was hurt by the long ball in this one, surrendering solo homers to Matt Chapman and Matt Olson before the A's tacked on another run in the fifth on an RBI double from Mark Canha. Kikuchi owns a 3.95 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 117:36 K:BB over 109.1 innings. He'll be in search of his first win since July 1 next week when he takes on the Astros. |
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| Jul 18 2021 | Kikuchi (6-5) allowed seven earned runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out seven across five innings, taking the loss to the Angels. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi surrendered a home run to Jack Mayfield in the fourth inning and a long ball to Taylor Ward in the fifth. The All-Star has struggled of late, allowing 12 runs in his last two starts. However, he's managed to maintain a 9.7 K/9 since June 5. The 30-year-old has a 3.92 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in 103.1 innings this season. He will look to get back on track in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for Friday against the Athletics. |
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| Jul 13 2021 | Kikuchi is no longer on the American League's active roster for the All-Star Game on Tuesday, Larry Stone of the Seattle Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was officially activated off the COVID-19 IL on Monday, but the left-hander won't pitch in the All-Star Game due to being unable to throw during the previous two days. Kikuchi figures to take the ball at some point over the weekend against the Angels. |
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| Jul 12 2021 | The Mariners reinstated Kikuchi from the COVID-19 injured list Monday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The transaction clears the way for Kikuchi to pitch for the American League squad in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Coors Field. Kikuchi earned his spot at the Midsummer Classic after supplying a 3.48 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 98:34 K:BB across 98.1 innings over his first 16 starts of the season. Assuming he's only needed for an inning out of the bullpen Tuesday, Kikuchi could be an option to start in the Mariners' first series of the second half this weekend against the Angels. |
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| Jul 11 2021 | Kikuchi was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Sunday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi recently displayed a symptom of the virus, but he's fully vaccinated and has already produced one negative test result. If he can test negative once more in the coming days, he should be in the clear to participate in his first All-Star Game on Tuesday. The lefty enters the break with a 6-4 record and a 3.48 ERA in 98.1 innings. |
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| Jul 8 2021 | Kikuchi (6-4) took the loss against the Yankees on Wednesday, pitching five innings and allowing five runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander looked like he could be knocked out of the game early after the Yankees scored three runs in the first inning and another two in the second. However, Kikuchi rebounded to hold New York scoreless over his remaining three frames, but that wasn't enough to offset the early damage and avoid his fourth loss. Despite the rough outing, Kikuchi enjoyed a strong first half of the campaign, posting a 3.48 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 98:34 K:BB across 98.1 innings covering 16 starts. His next appearance will likely come in the Mariners' first series following the All-Star break, which will take place on the road against the Angels. |
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| Jul 1 2021 | Kikuchi (6-3) earned the win Thursday after holding Toronto to one run on five hits and a walk while striking out six across seven innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander looked sharp once again, collecting his fifth win in his past seven starts while allowing one or fewer runs in each of his last four outings. Kikuchi's only blemish of the day came via a solo blast off the bat of Marcus Semien in the first inning. Otherwise, the 30-year-old blanked the Blue Jays the rest of the way, tossing 64 of 100 pitches for strikes. On the season, Kikuchi has put together a 3.18 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. He'll look to continue his success during his next tentative start at home Wednesday against the Yankees. |
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| Jun 25 2021 | Kikuchi (5-3) allowed a run on two hits and four walks while striking out six in 5.2 innings to earn the win over the White Sox on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While the four walks matched a season high, Kikuchi benefited from Seattle's defense turning two double plays while he was on the mound. The southpaw has won four straight decisions, and he's allowed one or fewer runs in each of his last three outings. He's pitched to a 3.34 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 87:30 K:BB across 86.1 innings this year. The 30-year-old lines up to face Toronto next week. |
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| Jun 19 2021 | Kikuchi (4-3) earned the win Friday against the Rays after tossing seven innings of one-run ball, allowing four hits and three walks while fanning six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi has given up just one earned run over his last two outings (14 innings) and has been pitching lights out of late, going 3-0 with a 2.05 ERA over his last five appearances and posting four quality starts in that stretch. The southpaw is slated to make his next appearance on the road against the White Sox next week. |
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| Jun 12 2021 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision Saturday against Cleveland despite tossing seven scoreless innings, allowing three hits and three walks while fanning six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was in line to get the win Saturday until Rafael Montero blew the save in the bottom of the ninth, but that shouldn't hide the fact that the left-hander delivered one of his best performances of the season despite the fact he dealt with a knee problem throughout the week. The Japanese hurler has given up two or fewer runs in three of his last four starts, and he's scheduled to take the mound next week at home against the Rays. |
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| Jun 9 2021 | Kikuchi (knee) is fully expected to make his next scheduled start on Saturday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander has been on the mend since taking a comebacker on his right knee during his start Saturday against the Angels. Kikuchi was officially diagnosed with a bone bruise and inflammation in the immediate aftermath of the injury, but it appears he's continued to make consistent enough progress to allow manager Scott Servais to confirm his pitcher's availability for Saturday's road turn against the Indians. |
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| Jun 6 2021 | Manager Scott Servais said Sunday that Kikuchi (knee) is experiencing minimal swelling and is feeling better than expected after being hit by a comebacker during his start in Saturday's 12-5 loss to the Angels, Lauren Smith of The Tacoma News Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was diagnosed with a bone bruise and inflammation in his right knee after being struck in the fifth inning by a David Fletcher line drive. Despite his positivity about Kikuchi's condition, Servais wouldn't confirm whether the southpaw will be able to make his next start, which is currently set for Saturday in Cleveland. |
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| Jun 5 2021 | Kikuchi has been diagnosed with a right knee contusion after being struck by a comebacker and being forced to exit his start against the Angels on Saturday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was helped off by trainers after a David Fletcher comebacker struck him in the fifth inning. All things considered, a knee contusion is far from the worst-case scenario for the southpaw, as it doesn't seem likely to be an issue that keeps him out for an extended period. He can currently be considered questionable to make his next start, which is scheduled to come next weekend in Cleveland. |
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| May 30 2021 | Kikuchi (3-3) allowed two runs on three hits and walk over 6.2 innings Sunday, striking out five and earning a win over the Rangers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi cruised through six shutout innings before coughing up a two-run blast to Joey Gallo in the seventh. Still, it was enough for the 29-year-old to earn his second straight win. He now owns a 3.88 ERA and a 61:20 K:BB through 62.2 innings this season. Kikuchi is projected to face the Angels on the road next weekend. |
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| May 26 2021 | Kikuchi (back) was able to play catch without issues before Tuesday's game and is expected to make his next start, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander exited Monday's win over the Athletics in the seventh inning due to lower-back cramping, but his ability to throw without issues less than 24 hours later has manager Scott Servais optimistic about the pitcher's chances of making his next start on time. Kikuchi actually began experiencing cramping in his hands early in his start versus Oakland, and the discomfort eventually shifted to his lower back the more he threw. |
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| May 24 2021 | Kikuchi left Monday's game against the Athletics due to cramping in his lower back, Corey Brock of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Scott Servais stated after the game that Kikuchi should be fine going forward, but expect the club to keep a close eye on the lefty leading up to his next scheduled start, which tentatively lines up for Saturday against Texas. |
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| May 23 2021 | The Mariners elected to push Kikuchi out of his scheduled start Sunday against the Padres after he felt a little under the weather in recent days, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports. He's now lined up to start Monday's game against the Athletics in Oakland. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Justin Dunn will be called upon to start Sunday's game on four days' rest after he completed a 94-pitch outing Tuesday against the Tigers. Kikuchi likely could have taken the hill Sunday if needed, but the Mariners chose to exercise some caution by giving him an extra day to recover from the illness. The southpaw shouldn't face any limitations with his pitch count when he takes the hill Monday, and he'll tentatively line up for two starts during the upcoming week. His second turn would come May 29 or 30 versus the Rangers in Seattle. |
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| May 17 2021 | Kikuchi (1-3) allowed three runs on three hits and four walks over six innings Monday, striking out eight and taking a loss against the Tigers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Overall, it was a solid outing for Kikuchi. All three runs he allowed came in the second inning on a pair of homers by Eric Haase and Jonathan Schoop but he allowed just one base runner the rest of the way. It was his fourth straight outing with at least six innings pitched and seven strikeouts. Kikuchi will carry a 4.32 ERA into next week's projected start in Oakland. |
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| May 12 2021 | Kikuchi hurled 6.1 innings against the Dodgers on Tuesday, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out 11. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw's 11 strikeouts were a career high, and he racked up 17 swinging strikes in the contest. Kikuchi looked to be in line for a win upon entering the seventh frame with a 4-1 lead, but a pair of singles -- one of which didn't leave the infield -- resulted in his removal from the game, and the Dodgers brought home both runners en route to a come-from-behind win. Nonetheless, Kikuchi finished with his third straight quality start, and he has struck out 25 batters across 20.1 frames during that stretch. He'll look to keep building on the hot stretch in his next start, currently projected to come against Cleveland at home Sunday. |
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| May 10 2021 | Kikuchi, whose next turn in the rotation would have normally come Wednesday, will instead switch places with Justin Dunn and start Tuesday's series opener against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The logic behind the switch is to up the chances of the bullpen getting additional rest after Monday's team off day. Kikuchi has gone seven innings in each of his last two starts, and despite the temporary move up in the rotation, he'll still operate on five days' rest versus Los Angeles. |
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| May 5 2021 | Kikuchi (1-2) allowed three earned runs on five hits and one walk while striking out seven across seven innings, taking the loss to the Orioles on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi tossed seven strong innings, but was outdone by John Means who threw a complete game no-hitter. Kikuchi struggled in April, but provided 14 innings in his last two starts with just three runs allowed. In those two starts he has 14 strikeouts compared to three walks. The 30-year-old holds a 4.30 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 37.2 innings. |
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| Apr 29 2021 | Kikuchi (1-1) earned the win over the Astros on Thursday, allowing just one hit over seven scoreless innings. He struck out seven and issued two walks. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty turned in his best outing of the season so far, getting 17 called strikes and 17 swinging strikes on 95 pitches, and was rewarded with his first win of 2021. He did not give up a hit until the seventh inning when Carlos Correa got to Kikuchi for a one-out double. Kikuchi, who now has a 4.40 ERA and 27:11 K:BB through 30.2 innings, projects for a home start against the Orioles next week. |
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| Apr 23 2021 | Kikuchi (0-1) took the loss Friday as the Mariners fell 6-5 to the Red Sox, getting tagged for five runs on six hits and three walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw served up homers to Xander Bogaerts in the first inning and J.D. Martinez in the third, helping create a deficit that a ninth-inning rally by Seattle's offense couldn't erase. It was Kikuchi's shortest outing so far this season, and he'll take a 5.70 ERA and 20:9 K:BB through 23.2 innings into his next start Thursday in Houston. |
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| Apr 16 2021 | Kikuchi hurled seven innings against Houston on Friday, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three. He did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi breezed through his first four frames, allowing only one walk and facing the minimum 12 batters. However, things began to unravel for the left-hander in the fifth, as he yielded three runs on three hits and a walk. Kikuchi then gave up two more runs in the seventh before departing. Overall, the 29-year-old threw 91 pitches and gave up only one extra-base it. He's now gone at least six innings in each of his first three starts, though he has yet to be part of a decision. Kikuchi's next outing will take place at Boston on Friday. |
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| Apr 10 2021 | Kikuchi gave up two runs on five hits and two walks during Saturday's extra-inning win over the Twins. He had six strikeouts and did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old wasn't able to replicate the 10 strikeouts from his season debut, but he kept Minnesota off the board apart from a two-run homer by Nelson Cruz during the third inning. Kikuchi has allowed five runs on 11 hits with a 16:3 K:BB over 12 innings through his first two starts of 2021, and he next lines up to face the Astros on Friday. |
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| Apr 2 2021 | Kikuchi did not factor in the decision against the Giants on Friday, pitching six innings and allowing three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out 10. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi threw 67 of his 89 pitches for strikes and connected on first-pitch strikes to 18 of the 25 batters he faced. The southpaw's strikeout rate jumped from 16.1 percent in his debut campaign to 24.2 percent last season, so Friday's big punchout total bodes well for his continued progression in that area. Kikuchi is next scheduled to take the mound next Saturday at Minnesota. |
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| Mar 31 2021 | Manager Scott Servais said Kikuchi would start the Mariners' second game of the season Friday against the Giants, Lauren Smith of The Tacoma News Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: James Paxton was initially lined up to follow Opening Day starter Marco Gonzales in the pitching order, but Paxton will instead flip spots with Kikuchi, who had been slated to start the fifth game of the season Tuesday against the White Sox. The change is a welcome one for Kikuchi's fantasy managers, particularly in leagues with separate lineup periods for the first two weeks of the season. Not only will Kikuchi draw a more favorable matchup in swapping out the White Sox for the Giants, but he'll still line up for a Week 2 start. He tentatively lines up to make his second start of the season April 10 in Minnesota. |
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| Mar 26 2021 | Kikuchi threw 91 pitches in a simulated game Friday afternoon and allowed five hits and three walks while recording seven strikeouts, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi has already logged 8.1 innings of Cactus League action across three starts, and Friday's workload pushed him to the brink of regular-season readiness. The southpaw lines up to next take the ball for the Mariners' third game of the regular season against the Giants on Saturday, April 3. |
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| Mar 15 2021 | Kikuchi allowed an earned run on two hits and a walk over 3.1 innings in a Cactus League win over the Brewers on Sunday. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports Kikuchi's velocity ticked as high as 97 mph and he was able to utilize his cutter with more conviction. Kikuchi also stretched out all the way to 66 pitches, and although he's allowed an earned run in each of his first three spring starts, his Cactus League ERA sits at a solid 3.24 and he's held opposing hitters to a cumulative .179 average across 8.1 innings. |
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| Mar 9 2021 | Kikuchi allowed an earned run on two hits and two walks across three innings in Monday's Cactus League loss to Cleveland, his second start of spring training. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports Kikuchi needed a mound visit after a rocky start, but he subsequently settled down to induce six straight groundouts at one point. Kikuchi's fastball velocity was also impressive for the second time in as many starts, consistently averaging between 95 and 96 mph and climbing as high as 97. "All my pitches feel great, and I was able to throw my splitter and was even able to throw one to a lefty, (Eddie) Rosario. It felt great," Kikuchi said. "One hung up there and ended up being a home run. Other than that, really good." |
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| Mar 4 2021 | Kikuchi, who made several offseason improvements, appeared to back up general manager Jerry Dipoto's recent proclamation that the left-hander is ready for a "breakout" during his first Cactus League start, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. "Everything that he was doing [in 2020] suggested that he should be experiencing more success," Dipoto said. "I don't know that we had a single pitcher that was probably more unlucky than Yusei last year. I know it's been an inconsistent couple of years, albeit one truncated season. But we love his stuff." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi threw 29 pitches across two innings against an Indians B squad Tuesday and allowed an earned run on a hit and walk while recording three strikeouts. The 29-year-old was able to hit 96 mph with his four-seam fastball and remained at 95 mph for the majority of his outing while also utilizing two of his secondary pitches for strikeouts. Kikuchi's velocity uptick was already evident during a 2020 season in which the gap between his expected 3.51 ERA was actual 5.17 figure was the third largest among 108 qualified pitchers, a campaign during which he also reduced his HR/9 from 2019's 2.0 to 0.6. |
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| Mar 1 2021 | Kikuchi, the Mariners' projected No. 3 starter, will make his Cactus League debut Tuesday against the Indians, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander slimmed down approximately 10 pounds during the offseason in an attempt to improve his overall mobility and mechanics on the mound. Kikuchi has a bloated 5.39 ERA through his first 41 major-league starts across two seasons after a successful career in Japan, but the Mariners are encouraged by the year-to-year change his K/9 (9.0, up from 6.5) and HR/9 (0.6, down from 2.0) exhibited in 2020. |
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| Feb 21 2021 | Kikuchi reported to spring camp having dropped 10 pounds over the offseason, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old southpaw is undoubtedly looking for any edge after generating ERAs over 5.00 in his first two seasons stateside following a successful career in Japan. Kikuchi did have a better season in 2020 than his 5.17 ERA indicates, as he allowed just 41 hits over 47 innings and surrendered just three home runs while averaging a strikeout per frame. He also pitched six full innings in three of his last four trips to the mound, with two of those quality starts. The double-digit weight loss may further help his overall mechanics, although both player and team will undoubtedly monitor matters carefully to ensure it doesn't also lead to a drop in stamina. |
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| Sep 25 2020 | Kikuchi took a no-decision during Friday's loss despite blanking the A's across six innings. He allowed four hits and three walks while striking out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: For the second time this season, Kikuchi shut down the A's, not allowing a run over six innings of work. The southpaw has proven to be an inconsistent starter for the Mariners, though he has certainly displayed flashes of potential. Kikuchi wraps up regular season play with a 2-4 record, 5.17 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 10 appearances (nine starts). |
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| Sep 18 2020 | Kikuchi (2-4) was charged with the loss against the Padres on Friday after surrendering five runs on four hits and six walks while striking out three across four innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi struggled with command in this one, issuing a season-high six walks. The 29-year-old allowed the first run to score on a wild pitch in the third inning, then fell victim to a three-run blast off the bat of Manny Machado in the fourth. It was Kikuchi's second shortest performance of the season, outlasting only his first start of the year against the Astros when he was lifted after 3.2 innings. The southpaw will carry a 5.95 ERA and 1.19 WHIP into a Friday contest at Oakland. |
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| Sep 11 2020 | Kikuchi (2-3) was charged with the loss against the Diamondbacks on Friday, giving up four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out five across six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi got off to a rocky first inning, giving up three runs including an RBI triple to Christan Walker and an RBI single to Nick Ahmed. The 29-year-old, who was coming off two straight wins, has only walked one batter across his last 17 innings and sports a 39:11 K:BB ratio to go with a 5.35 ERA and 1.19 WHIP overall this season. Kikuchi will look to bounce back in his next scheduled start Wednesday against San Francisco. |
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| Sep 4 2020 | Kikuchi (2-2) picked up the win Friday after holding the Rangers to one run on two hits while striking out seven across six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Coming off a seven-day layoff, Kikuchi appeared to be well-rested as he blanked the Rangers until the fifth inning, when he gave up a solo home run to Jose Trevino. That would be the only run of the night for the southpaw, who was facing the Rangers for the first time this season. Kikuchi improves to 2-2 on the year while raising his ERA to 5.29 and WHIP to 1.19. He'll take the mound next for a road matchup at Arizona on Friday. |
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| Sep 3 2020 | Kickuchi will start Friday's game against the Rangers, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With all three of their games against the A's being postponed this week, the Mariners took the opportunity to shuffle their rotation ahead of the set against the Rangers. Kikuchi will open the series, with Justus Sheffield, Justin Dunn and Marco Gonzales to follow. |
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| Aug 28 2020 | Kikuchi (1-2) was credited with the victory in the second game of a doubleheader against the Padres on Thursday, allowing three earned runs on seven hits over five innings while recording six strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi finally got in the win column in 2020 just over a month after the start of the regular season, firing a relatively efficient 81 pitches over his five frames. Two of the three runs scored against the southpaw were of the small-ball variety, with the one big hit coming in the form of a first-inning solo home run off the bat of Manny Machado. The outing was Kikuchi's second-best performance of the campaign, and it came in the wake of the 29-year-old surrendering a combined eight earned runs across 9.2 innings in his prior two starts. Kikuchi will look to carry the momentum into his next start, which is slated to come against the Athletics at home Tuesday. |
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| Aug 20 2020 | Kikuchi (0-2) took the loss Thursday as the Mariners fell 6-1 to the Dodgers, giving up five runs on four hits and four walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw looked good through two innings but got rattled in the third after some frankly horrible umpiring cost him a strikeout, leading to a ground-rule double by Matt Beaty that opened the scoring and kick-started a four-run frame for Los Angeles. Kikuchi now has a 6.30 ERA through four starts and 20 innings with a 21:10 K:BB, but if there's a silver lining to his early-season efforts it's that he has yet to allow a home run. He'll look for his first win in his next outing, on the road against the Padres on Aug. 27. |
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| Aug 19 2020 | Manager Scott Servais said after Kikuchi (neck) completed a bullpen session Tuesday that he's "pretty confident' the left-hander will be ready to start Thursday against the Dodgers, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Barring a setback in the next 24 hours, Kikuchi will be ready to make his first start since Aug. 7 after neck spasms prevented him from making his last scheduled turn Friday in Houston. Kikuchi has posted a 5.28 ERA through his three outings this season, but a big uptick in velocity from 2019 to go with strong underlying numbers (2.23 FIP, 16.1 K-BB%, 57.5 GB%) could make the southpaw worthy of a pickup if he's sitting on the waiver wire. |
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| Aug 17 2020 | Kikuchi (neck) is feeling better and is likely to make his next start Thursday against the Dodgers, the Associated Press reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander was scratched from Friday's start against the Astros due to neck spasms, but after taking muscle relaxers over the weekend, Kikuchi is apparently firmly on the road to recovery. Nestor Cortes stepped in as the emergency starter in the 29-year-old's stead Friday and yielded eight runs (seven earned) on five hits over one-third of an inning, so manager Scott Servais will undoubtedly be glad to see Kikuchi back in the rotation. |
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| Aug 16 2020 | Kikuchi, who was scratched from his scheduled start Friday against the Astros due to neck spasms, was still dealing with stiffness Saturday and taking muscle relaxers for relief, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Scott Servais added that Kikuchi was going to try and play catch later in the day to see how he felt. The team is holding out hope the southpaw will still make his next scheduled start Thursday against the Dodgers, but the coming days will naturally reveal how likely that is. |
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| Aug 14 2020 | Kikuchi was scratched from his scheduled start Friday with neck spasms, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was scratched with approximately half an hour remaining until the first pitch, and Nestor Cortes will step in as an emergency starter against the Astros. The severity of the issue is unclear, and whether Kikuchi misses any additional time remains to be seen. |
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| Aug 7 2020 | Kikuchi (0-1) was charged with the loss against the Rockies on Friday, giving up four runs on six hits and a walk with three strikeouts across 5.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After issuing a lead-off walk to start the game, Kikuchi focused his command and refrained from handing out any more free passes. The 29-year-old surrendered a pair of runs in the third inning and another two in the sixth, scattering six hits, only two of which went for extra bases (both doubles). In fact, his ability to produce weak contact means he has yet to allow any home runs so far this season. The southpaw will look to improve upon a 5.28 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in Houston on Friday. |
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| Aug 1 2020 | Kikuchi allowed three hits and one walk over six scoreless innings in a no-decision against the A's on Saturday. He struck out nine. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was a big improvement on Kikuchi's first start (five runs on five hits and four walks with four strikeouts over 3.2 innings in Houston). He induced 20 swinging strikes on 89 pitches and fell just one strikeout short of tying his career high. Kikuchi had some buzz back in spring training due to the increased velocity he was showing and indeed his fastball is up several ticks. The lefty is still probably best viewed as a streamer, but he could separate himself from the pack with a few more starts like this. Kikuchi gets the Rockies at home next week. |
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| Jul 26 2020 | Kikuchi allowed five runs on five hits and four walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings in Sunday's win against the Astros. He didn't factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi impressed in his final intrasquad start Monday, but he struggled to contain the Astros early in his first start of the regular season. However, he finished with a no-decision after the Mariners put together a late-game rally to secure the team's first win of the season. The southpaw will attempt to improve at home against the Athletics on Saturday. |
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| Jul 21 2020 | Kikuchi, who'll start the Mariners' third game of the regular season against the Astros on Sunday, was impressive over four innings in Monday's intrasquad game, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi cruised early, firing three scoreless innings before the opposing squad of teammates got to him for two singles and a walk in the fourth. The southpaw ultimately allowed two of those runners to score with a throwing error, but manager Scott Servais was pleased to see Kikuchi's fastball reaching 96 mph and his offspeed pitches also showing improvement during the 55-pitch outing. "I thought he threw the ball pretty well. His stuff was really good and the velocity was up there," Servais said. "Hopefully he can build on that. All the guys so far -- Marco [Gonzales], Taijuan [Walker] and Yusei should be good to go. If things go well, I hope to get them through five innings their first time out." |
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| Jul 14 2020 | Kikuchi allowed four runs on four hits and four walks over 2.1 innings in Tuesday's intrasquad game, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was Kikuchi's first appearance in a game situation since spring training, so the rusty outing is understandable to a significant degree. The left-hander threw regularly during the shutdown and had been pleased with the quality of his bullpen sessions since summer camp started, but he noted through his interpreter after Tuesday's appearance that his balance and mechanics were thrown off somewhat by elements such as baserunners and signs. Kikuchi did hit 95 mph regularly with his fastball, however, and he reported that both his stamina and arm were feeling good throughout his time on the mound. The 29-year-old lines up for one more intrasquad start before taking the hill in the Mariners' second regular-season game, which is scheduled for July 25 in Houston. |
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| Jul 8 2020 | Kikuchi was impressive while facing live batters for the first time in summer camp Wednesday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi was labeled by manager Scott Servais as the pitcher likeliest most prepared to endure a heavy workload as summer camp began, and he helped validate his boss's faith Wednesday. The left-hander reportedly elevated his fastball up to 95 mph once he warmed up, ringing up some swings and misses against multiple teammates in the process. Kikuchi also confirmed he's slated to pitch in his first intrasquad game of camp Tuesday. |
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| Jul 3 2020 | Kikuchi, who maintained a heavy throwing workload during the three-month-plus shutdown, appeared to be the best-conditioned pitcher during the first day of summer camp Friday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports. "He looked just like he did when he left spring training," said manager Scott Servais, who watched a bullpen earlier this week. "He's probably a little further ahead. The volume of throwing he does is probably a little bit more than other guys." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old Japanese import came into spring training with plenty to prove after a rough first season stateside, and he appeared to be on solid footing when spring training was suspended. Kikuchi's work ethic during the time off may allow him to be an exception to the general rule Servais is likely to have for his pitchers to open the regular season, namely, a workload of approximately four innings or 70 pitches. |
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| Jun 25 2020 | General manager Jerry Dipoto notes Kikuchi's stamina should already be relatively high entering summer camp due to the throwing sessions he's been putting in over the last month, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In reviewing the status of the team's projected starters ahead of the start of summer camp July 1, Dipoto assessed that Kikuchi and Justin Dunn may sport two of the most conditioned arms in the rotation at this point, considering they've worked out regularly at the Mariners' spring training facility in Peoria, Arizona and have been throwing "full tilt" against live hitters while building up to as much as 60 pitches. That level of activity bodes well for Kikuchi's chances of handling a fairly hefty workload right from the start of the shortened season, although Dipoto notes Seattle is expected to utilize a six-man rotation and have one starter "piggyback" another in early-season games. |
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| May 25 2020 | Kikuchi, who has remained in the Arizona area while spring training has been suspended, should be one of the players that begins participating in informal workouts at the team's Peoria facility this week, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With MLB teams now allowed to grant restricted access to their spring training or home facilities in accordance with local guidelines, the Mariners will begin hosting staggered groups of players for informal workouts early this week. Given his proximity to the Peoria complex, Kikuchi is fully expected to be one of those participating moving forward. The southpaw, readying for his second season stateside after a successful career in Japan, was thought to be making impressive progress with both his velocity and command before Cactus League play was paused. Having access to certain amenities and equipment at the spring facility should allow Kikuchi to start getting back on track after he was forced to work out in more limited fashion in recent weeks. |
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| Apr 16 2020 | Kikuchi demonstrated improved velocity and better command overall during Cactus League play before spring training was suspended, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw worked on tweaking his delivery this offseason after an uneven first season stateside, and those changes appeared to already be paying dividends this spring. Kikuchi made three Cactus League starts, posting a 4.05 ERA over 6.2 innings while recording an impressive 10 strikeouts. Kikuchi also hit between 94 mph and 96 mph with his fastball and was in the 90-mph-91-mph range with his slider. Drayer also notes Kikuchi was generating an increased spin rate in camp and more frequently challenging hitters high with his power pitch, both potential harbingers of a more effective and confident pitcher in 2020. |
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| Mar 11 2020 | Kikuchi continued to successfully incorporate a changeup during a four-inning simulated game Tuesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi struck out half of the 14 batters he faced during the outing and elevated his fastball more in the zone, something he's been focused on doing more consistently this offseason and spring. The development of the changeup has also been a priority for the southpaw, as it would serve as a fourth pitch in a repertoire that already includes a four-seam fastball, a curveball and the mid-to-high 80s slider he most frequently used as his "out" pitch last season. Kikuchi's focus on refining the change, which he threw only 7.6 percent of the time in 2019, is starting to pay dividends. "It's getting better," said Austin Nola, who caught Kikuchi on Tuesday. "We're going to use it and keep trying it. I think it's a good feel pitch for him. Something that he can get his feel for and get his extension out front." |
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| Mar 6 2020 | Kikuchi threw three scoreless innings Thursday against the Padres, giving up no hits while walking two and striking out five. His velocity was up to 96 mph in his final frame, according to Greg Johns of MLB.com. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He started the game in the 92-94 mph range with his fastball before it started humming at 96. Last year he averaged just north of 93 mph on his four-seam fastball in March, April and May before it ticked down to 92 mph in the final four months of the season. When he was dominating in Japan, his fastball was a mid-90s pitch, so if he can sit in that range again, Kikuchi could be in for a post-hype breakout. He has given up three earned runs on four hits and five walks while striking out 10 over 6.2 innings in three spring outings. |
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| Feb 23 2020 | Kikuchi was happy with his fastball after his first spring start, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi worked on mechanical adjustments in the offseason and relayed that the changes have felt natural. He also believes he will be able to reach his peak velocity more consistently during the season. Kikuchi closed his first outing of the spring after 1.1 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and a walk while striking out two batters. |
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| Feb 17 2020 | Kikuchi, who endured an uneven first season stateside in 2019, worked on his mechanics throughout the offseason, Jesse Borek of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw generated a solid 3.43 ERA through his first 11 starts last season before running into more frequent difficulties that helped lead to a 5.46 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 6-11 mark across 32 starts. Kikuchi went right to work as soon as the season ended, focusing on everything from hand placement to the timing of his entire delivery. Kikuchi will work closely with new pitching coach Pete Woodworth throughout the spring, and one of the goals both the team and Kikuchi have is to see a bump in the average velocity of his four-seam fastball, which checked in at a modest 92.5 mph in 2019. |
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| Sep 25 2019 | Kikuchi (6-11) gave up two runs on six hits and no walks while striking out four through six innings to take the loss against the Astros on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi allowed three hits and two runs in the first inning, but he settled down to fire five consecutive scoreless frames. It was a nice finish to an otherwise ugly stretch for the 28-year-old, as he had a 6.10 ERA in his previous 14 starts. Kikuchi finishes the season with a 5.46 ERA and 116 strikeouts through 161.2 innings. |
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| Sep 19 2019 | Kikuchi allowed four earned runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out one across four innings Thursday against the Pirates. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi coughed up a four-run lead in the second inning, allowing four doubles and a single in the frame. He also got into trouble in the fourth inning, loading the bases with two outs prior to escaping the jam by getting Jose Osuna to ground out. Kikuchi has struggled for much of the season and that hasn't changed of late, as he's now allowed 10 earned runs in 16.1 innings -- spanning four starts -- in August. He'll look to close the season on a better note, with his final appearance of the season currently projected for Wednesday against Houston. |
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| Sep 13 2019 | Kikuchi (6-10) took the loss Friday, allowing five runs on 10 hits and a walk while striking out only one in 2.1 innings versus the White Sox. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kikuchi didn't have it Friday, bookending the poor start with homers from Jose Abreu and Adam Engel. The southpaw's ERA rose to 5.46, with a 1.52 WHIP and 111:49 K:BB over 151.2 innings this season. Kikuchi is expected to face the Pirates in a road start Thursday. |
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| Sep 8 2019 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Astros, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over five-plus innings while striking out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw rose to the challenge of facing off with Justin Verlander, throwing 60 of 92 pitches for strikes and actually keeping Houston off the board entirely until Alex Bregman touched Kikuchi up for a solo shot to lead off the sixth inning. He'll take a 5.24 ERA and 110:48 K:BB through 149.1 innings into his next start Friday, at home against the White Sox. |
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| Sep 1 2019 | Kikuchi (6-9) gave up three runs on six hits and no walks while striking out one | through five innings to record the win over the Rangers on Sunday. |
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| Aug 27 2019 | Kikuchi (5-9) took the loss against the Yankees on Tuesday, giving up five earned | runs on eight hits over four innings, striking out one and walking three as the |
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| Aug 24 2019 | Kikuchi is scheduled to make his next start Tuesday at home against the Yankees. | |
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| Aug 20 2019 | Kikuchi will have his next start skipped for rest purposes, Shannon Drayer of 710 | ESPN Seattle reports. |
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| Aug 18 2019 | Kikuchi (5-8) picked up the win after allowing two hits and a walk while striking | out eight over nine scoreless innings Sunday against the Blue Jays. |
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| Aug 15 2019 | Kikuchi, who is scheduled to make his next start Sunday against the Blue Jays, could | be temporarily dropped from the rotation the following week for rest purposes, Ryan |
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| Aug 13 2019 | Kikuchi gave up five runs on nine hits and one walk over 3.1 innings during Tuesday's | 11-6 win at Detroit. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision. |
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| Aug 7 2019 | Kikuchi gave up one run on four hits and three walks across five innings during | Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Padres. He struck out eight but did not factor in the |
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| Aug 5 2019 | Kikuchi could see his innings limited down the stretch if the Mariners opt to expand | their starting rotation to six pitchers, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. "It's just |
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| Jul 26 2019 | Kikuchi pitched 6.2 innings Friday, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out four. He took a no-decision in a 3-2 win over the Tigers. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 21 2019 | Kikuchi (4-7) allowed seven runs on nine hits and one walk across five innings while taking the loss Sunday against the Angels. He struck out three. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 14 2019 | Kikuchi allowed three runs on two hits and four walks across four innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Angels. He struck out three. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 5 2019 | Kikuchi (4-6) pitched seven innings in a loss, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and a walk. He struck out five in the 5-2 loss to the Athletics. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 5 2019 | Kikuchi (4-6) pitched seven innings in a loss Friday, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and a walk. He struck out five in the 5-2 loss to the Athletics. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jul 2 2019 | Kikuchi (personal) is still awaiting the birth of his first child, but he remains on track to make his next start Friday against the Athletics, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 30 2019 | Kikuchi left the Mariners on Sunday due to his wife being in labor with the couple's child, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 29 2019 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Astros, giving up five runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks over five innings while striking out five. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 23 2019 | Kikuchi (4-5) allowed three runs on five hits and five walks across six innings to earn the win Sunday against the Orioles. He struck out three. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 19 2019 | Kikuchi (3-5) took the loss against Kansas City on Tuesday, pitching five innings and allowing six runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out five. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 13 2019 | Kikuchi allowed one earned run on six hits and two walks while striking out four across five innings Thursday against the Twins. He did not factor into the decision. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 8 2019 | Kikuchi (3-4) allowed seven runs -- six earned -- on nine hits and three walks over 3.1 innings. He took the loss and struck out only one batter. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 5 2019 | Kikuchi will start Saturday against the Angels, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 1 2019 | Kikuchi will have his next start skipped, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 31 2019 | Kikuchi (3-3) was roughed up Thursday, pitching 3.1 innings and giving up six runs on 10 hits and two walks in a loss to the Angels. He did not strike out a batter. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 31 2019 | Kikuchi could be limited to one inning in his next scheduled start, and it's possible he could simply skip his next outing completely, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 30 2019 | Manager Scott Servais said earlier in the week that he plans to have Kikuchi make a \"normal start\" Thursday against the Angels, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 26 2019 | Kikuchi and pitching coach Paul Davis will review video of the left-hander's poor Saturday start against the Athletics to ensure he wasn't tipping his pitches, John Hickey of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 26 2019 | Kikuchi and pitching coach Paul Davis will review video of the left-hander's poor start Saturday against the Athletics to ensure he wasn't tipping his pitches, John Hickey of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 25 2019 | Kikuchi (3-2) took the loss Saturday as the Mariners were downed 6-5 by the A's, giving up five runs (four earned) on 10 hits and a walk over 3.1 innings while striking out one. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 22 2019 | Manager Scott Servais said Kikuchi will make a \"normal start\" Saturday in Oakland before likely tossing an abbreviated one-inning appearance in one of his subsequent 2-to-3 appearances, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 20 2019 | Kikuchi (3-1) allowed three runs (one earned) on five hits, two walks and a hit batsman in a win over the Twins on Sunday. He struck out six. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 14 2019 | Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision in Monday's 6-5 extra-inning win over the A's, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks over six innings while striking out five. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| May 8 2019 | Kikuchi (2-1) allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk while striking out three across 7.2 innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Yankees. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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