YUSEI KIKUCHI NEWS

Breaking down Yusei Kikuchi's pitches | 05/07/2023 Pitch diagrams, the data behind Yusei Kikuchi's pitches

MAY 8, 2023 • MLB.COM

Stumbles against BoSox 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.

Impact 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.

MAY 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Yusei Kikuchi ends 2nd with a K | 05/02/2023 Yusei Kikuchi strikes out Raimel Tapia to end the top of the 2nd inning, stranding a runner at second base to get the Blue Jays out of the j...

MAY 3, 2023 • MLB.COM

Improves to 4-0 Kikuchi (4-0) earned the win Wednesday, allowing no runs on four hits and a walk over 5.2 innings against the White Sox. He struck out eight.

Impact Kikuchi was sharp again Wednesday, punching out eight White Sox over 5.2 scoreless innings. He's allowed just two runs over his last three starts (17.2 innings), logging 20 strikeouts in that span. Kikuchi lowered his ERA to 3.00 with a 1.11 WHIP and an impressive 28:6 K:BB. He'll look to stay undefeated in his next outing, tentatively scheduled for next week against the Red Sox.

APRIL 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Yusei Kikuchi's eight-K game | 04/26/2023 Yusei Kikuchi has a marvelous start against the White Sox, striking out eight batters over 5 2/3 scoreless innings of work

APRIL 26, 2023 • MLB.COM

Picks up third win Kikuchi (3-0) earned the win Friday, allowing one run on four hits and two walks over six innings during a 6-1 victory over the Yankees. He struck out three.

Impact Kikuchi got some early run support, and aside from a solo homer from Oswaldo Cabrera in the second inning, he cruised through six frames en route to his third victory of the season. After four starts (21.1 innings), Kikuchi sports a 3.80 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP with a solid 20:5 K:BB. He's tentatively scheduled to pitch again during next week's three-game set with the White Sox.

APRIL 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Yusei Kikuchi's three strikeouts | 04/21/2023 Yusei Kikuchi strikes out three batters in 6 innings of work during his start vs. the New York Yankees

APRIL 22, 2023 • MLB.COM

Opinion | Jays make it back-to-back wins over Rays. And maybe Yusei Kikuchi really is OK Saturday’s victory at the Rogers Centre was most significant for the performance of Kikuchi, further solidifying his starter chops after the...

APRIL 16, 2023 • THESTAR.COM

Yusei Kikuchi strikes out nine | 04/15/2023 Yusei Kikuchi strikes out nine and allows one run over six innings of work against the Rays

APRIL 16, 2023 • MLB.COM

'I'm enjoying the mind games': Kikuchi boasts confidence in win TORONTO -- There was a joy to Yusei Kikuchi’s performance on Saturday, twirling into a pitcher’s pirouette and pumping his fist after strike...

APRIL 16, 2023 • MLB.COM

Strikes out nine in victory Kikuchi (2-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing one run on four hits and one walk over six innings in a 5-2 victory over Tampa Bay. He struck out nine.

Impact The only run Kikuchi allowed was a solo blast by Taylor Walls in the fourth inning. Outside of that, the left-hander was outstanding while throwing 67-of-94 pitches for strikes. The left-hander has now allowed no more than a run in two of his three starts this year with a six-run struggle against the Angels on Sunday sandwiched between. Kikuchi has shown almost no consistency throughout his career, but he'll look to build on this start with his next outing lined up for the weekend against the Yankees.

APRIL 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

LHP Yusei Kikuchi leads Blue Jays past Rays Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi struck out nine over six innings and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Tampa Bay Rays 5-2 on Saturday af...

APRIL 15, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Yusei Kikuchi, Blue Jays deliver Rays a second straight loss following perfect start to season - The Boston Globe Kikuchi allowed one run and four hits in six innings, with nine strikeouts, to improveto 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA against Tampa Bay. Taylor Walls...

APRIL 15, 2023 • BOSTONGLOBE.COM

Kikuchi strikes out nine over six strong innings as Blue Jays defeat Rays 5-2 TORONTO - Yusei Kikuchi had nine strikeouts over six strong innings to lead the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sa...

APRIL 15, 2023 • THESTAR.COM

Kikuchi fans 9 as Rays lose second straight, Jays win 5-2

Yusei Kikuchi struck out a season-high nine over six innings, Danny Jansen had two hits and an RBI and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-2 on Saturday

APRIL 15, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Yusei Kikuchi put together his best start as a Blue Jay in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Rays The Tampa Bay Rays rolled into Toronto on Friday just one win shy of s...

APRIL 15, 2023 • BLUEJAYSNATION.COM

Yusei Kikuchi K's Arozarena | 04/15/2023 Yusei Kikuchi gets Randy Arozarena to strike out looking on an off-speed pitch in the 3rd inning

APRIL 15, 2023 • MLB.COM

Blue Jays take on the Rays after Bichette's 5-hit game

The Toronto Blue Jays take on the Tampa Bay Rays after Bo Bichette had five hits against the Rays on Friday

APRIL 15, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Serves up three homers Kikuchi allowed six runs on nine hits and one walk across 4.1 innings during Sunday's extra-inning win against the Angels. He struck out six and did not factor in the decision.

Impact Kikuchi surrendered three home runs and put Toronto in a 6-0 hole after four innings, but the offense rallied to take him off the hook for the loss. The left-hander gave up just one run in five frames during his season debut but allowed significant hard contact Sunday, though he did generate 14 swinging strikes. A matchup versus the Rays likely awaits for Kikuchi next weekend.

APRIL 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Angels and Blue Jays meet to decide series winner

The Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays play on Sunday with the three-game series tied 1-1

APRIL 9, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Yusei Kikuchi pitches with purpose, ends rut from Blue Jays rotation in win It was a win the Blue Jays badly wanted. It all began with Kikuchi pitching with his purpose.

APRIL 5, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Picks up win in season debut 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.

Impact 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.

APRIL 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Yusei Kikuchi's strong start gets Blue Jays back on track against Royals The Blue Jays got a strong performance from starter Yusei Kikuchi to beat the Kansas City Royals and end their three-game losing streak.

APRIL 5, 2023 • TORONTOSUN.COM

Toronto ends 3-game skid in Whit Merrifield's return to KC

Yusei Kikuchi and four relievers limited Kansas City to one run on four hits and the Toronto Blue Jays snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory over the Royals

APRIL 5, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Blue Jays needed a good start and Yusei Kikuchi delivered With the Blue Jays entering Tuesday's contest with a 1-3 record, Toron...

APRIL 5, 2023 • BLUEJAYSNATION.COM