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34 articles
LAA • Pitcher • #16
3 days ago
Kikuchi generated 12 swings-and-misses to get the eight punchouts, and he allowed just four hits without issuing a walk. That’s the second time in three starts he’s reached that level of strikeouts, but this was easily his best start of the season in the first month of the campaign. Kikuchi has shown almost zero consistency in his MLB career, but there are enough outings like this to keep fantasy managers curious. He’ll try and match this effort Friday against the Royals.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
8 days ago
Kikuchi was clearly off tonight. While his fastball velocity was pretty normal, the rest of his pitches were all down one or two mph. For his changeup, it was actually closer to three mph. He walked four and gave up homers to Aaron Judge and José Caballero. Now possessing a 7.50 ERA, Kikuchi seems like a particularly poor mixed-league option. He’ll face the Padres on Saturday.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
13 days ago
Kikuchi tossed a clean first inning, then surrendered a run on a pair of hits in the second. He ran into more trouble in the fourth, giving up three runs on a walk and three hits before getting out of the frame with a pair of strikeouts. Kikuchi returned for a clean fifth, striking out two batters to end his day with eight punchouts. The 34-year-old left-hander has allowed 11 runs over 14 2/3 innings across three starts, but a 16/6 K/BB ratio with a .404 BABIP suggests some bad hit luck in the early going. He’ll look for better fortune when he takes on the Yankees in New York on Monday.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
20 days ago
Kikuchi got 12 whiffs and had a 34-percent CSW, but he struggled to finish off Cubs hitters and walked four. After two starts, he has a 17-percent strikeout rate to go along with an 0-1 record and a 6.52 ERA. His stuff hasn’t changed much, so there’s no more reason to be down on him than there was a week ago. Still, pitching for the Angels isn’t going to help anything. He’ll face the Braves next week.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
25 days ago
Kikuchi threw 86 pitches in this one, with 53 of them (61.6 percent) going for strikes. The veteran lefty was lit up all night, but the Astros were unable to string together enough hits to keep pace with the Angels. A wild pitch by Kikuchi in the first inning allowed Jeremy Peña to score from third, but the only other run Kikuchi allowed on the night came courtesy of Yordan Alvarez, who hit a solo homer in the fifth. Kikuchi allowed opposing hitters to hit .261 off him list season while going 7-11 with a 3.99 ERA. Given how this outing went, he’ll be hard to trust in his next start, which is set for Wednesday at the Cubs.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
about 1 month ago
Lane Thomas’s solo homer was one of two hits against Kikuchi, who was technically making his spring debut tonight after giving up three runs over four innings in two appearances for Japan in the WBC. The Angels said tonight that he’ll start the second game of the regular season Friday against the Astros. Given that he was only up to 64 pitches tonight, he doesn’t seem like a great first-week option in mixed leagues.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
about 2 months ago
Kikuchi notched four strikeouts and didn’t hand out a free pass, building up his pitch count to 63 (37 strikes) across three frames. He surrendered six hits, but only one of them went for extra-bases. The 34-year-old southpaw is coming off an underwhelming Angels debut last season where he posted a pedestrian 3.99 ERA — 4.47 xERA — 1.42 WHIP and 174/74 K/BB ratio across 178 1/3 innings over 33 starts. The sudden spike in walks and declining strikeout rate remain blinking warning lights and limit his appeal to deeper mixed leagues as an end-game roster filler.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
7 months ago
Kikuchi came back out for the sixth, but he dealt with a finger cramp while warming up and exited. That was probably for the best, as he had just pulled his ERA under 4.00 to 3.99. It’s the second time in seven big-league seasons that he’s finished with a sub-4.00 ERA, as he came in at 3.86 in 2023. We were pretty skeptical about the Angels’ signing him to a three-year, $63 million deal, but he lived up to his end in year one. It’s not his fault that it resulted in just a 7-11 record.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
7 months ago
The 34-year-old southpaw walked three batters on the night while striking out a pair. All of the damage done against him came courtesy of Caleb Durbin who smacked an RBI single in the fourth inning and another after Kikuchi had exited with two men on and two outs in the sixth inning. He got just three whiffs on 92 pitches on the night, posting an underwhelming CSW of 23 percent. He’ll attempt to finish the season on a high note as he brings a 4.05 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and a 168/73 K/BB ratio (173 1/3 innings) into Wednesday’s matchup against the Royals.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
7 months ago
Kikuchi bounced back nicely from his awful start against the A’s where he allowed seven runs over just two innings Saturday. The left-hander allowed only an RBI double to Jorge Polanco while striking out three and issuing just one walk. When Kikuchi isn’t at his best, the results can be toxic. When he’s at his best, he’s one of the best left-handers in the game. If only there was more in-between. He faces the Brewers next week.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
8 months ago
Things have gone from bad to worse for Kikuchi as Saturday’s latest meltdown caps a streak of three consecutive starts in which he’s been lit up for five runs or more since August 26. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw surrendered six hits, including a three-run homer to Athletics rookie Colby Thomas. He notched only one strikeout and handed out three free passes in the abbreviated outing. He’ll aim for better results on Thursday against the Mariners but it’s challenging for fantasy managers to trust him on the heels of three consecutive clunkers.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
8 months ago
Kikuchi struck out six and walked two while registering a 25 percent whiff rate and 27 percent CSW. Most of the contact he allowed was loud contact with four extra-base hits and an average exit velocity of nearly 96 mph on balls in play. He will take a 3.83 ERA into a solid start against the Athletics at home this weekend.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
8 months ago
The 34-year-old southpaw punched out three batters on the night. The Rangers scratched out three runs against him in the opening inning then added on with a two-run shot by Michael Helman in the second and a solo blast from Kyle Higashioka in the third. Kikuchi got 10 swings and misses on 81 pitches on the night, posting a CSW of 25 percent. He’ll try to put this one behind him and get back on track as he lugs a 3.68 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and a 156/64 K/BB ratio (154 innings) into Monday’s battle against the Astros in Houston.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
8 months ago
Kikuchi averaged a season-low 93.6 mph with his fastball last time out, but he was back up to 94.2 mph against the Reds. That’s still a little down overall from his 94.9-mph average on season, but it alleviates some of the concerns from his outing against the A’s. He allowed seven hits, walked none and struck out four in the no-decision against the Reds. Next up for him is a road start in Texas.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
8 months ago
Kikuchi allowed two homers, a solo homer by Shea Langeliers in the first and a three-run homer by Colby Thomas two innings later. The 34-year-old allowed five hits, issued four walks and struck out four. No thanks. Kikuchi has been mostly solid in 2025, but isn’t immune from clunkers. He’ll try to avoid another one when he squares off against the Reds on Wednesday.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
8 months ago
Kikuchi stranded a runner in the first inning, then gave up a pair of runs on three hits and a sacrifice fly in the second. He worked around two more runners in the third before giving up two more runs in the fourth. Kikuchi worked one more inning and ended his day after five frames with seven strikeouts. The 34-year-old left-hander will take a 3.37 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and a 146/58 K/BB ratio across 139 innings into a start against the Athletics in Sacramento on Friday.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
9 months ago
Kikuchi struck out seven in his first win of the season half. The Angels’ lone All-Star is now 5-7 with a 3.22 ERA and a 139/56 K/BB in 134 innings. He’s due to face the Tigers on Sunday.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
9 months ago
Kikuchi stranded four baserunners through three scoreless innings before giving up a solo homer to Kyle Higashioka in the fourth. The rangers brought another run in to score in the fifth on a hit batter and two singles. Kikuchi would start the sixth inning despite being at 94 pitches and left with two runners on and one out. Both inherited runners would come in to score on a throwing error. The 34-year-old left-hander will take a 3.30 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and a 132/54 K/BB ratio across 128 innings into a start against the Rays in Anaheim on Monday.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
9 months ago
Kikuchi was breezing through this start, but the fifth inning was his undoing. He held Seattle scoreless through the first four innings, but then gave up a long opposite-field homer to Julio Rodríguez and a two-run homer to Randy Arozarena to turn a strong outing into a mediocre one. Kikuchi did strike out seven, however, and he still is the proud owner of 3.23 ERA even after the poor frame. He’s scheduled to face off against the Rangers next week.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
9 months ago
Kikuchi started the first inning with a walk and a double but was able to get out of the frame with just one run allowed. After three scoreless frames, he gave up a second run on a walk and a base hit in the fifth before ending his day at 91 pitches and eight strikeouts. The 34-year-old left-hander will take a 3.13 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and a 123/52 K/BB ratio across 118 innings into a start against the Mariners in Anaheim on Thursday.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
9 months ago
Kikuchi was far from dominant, but didn’t have to be with Zac Gallen performing inadequately in his five innings. The 2025 All-Star struck out five, but gave up a pair of homers to Eugenio Suárez and an RBI single to Randal Grichuk. The last two starts weren’t overly impressive, but Kikuchi has had an excellent first half with a 3.11 ERA and 115/49 K/BB ratio over 20 starts and 113 innings. His next appearance will likely take place at the All-Star Game in Atlanta on Tuesday.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
10 months ago
In a battle of All-Star hurlers, both Kikuchi and Jacob deGrom were not terribly effective. They combined to go 10 innings while allowing seven runs, and both struggled early. In Kikuchi’s case, he allowed a two-run homer to Corey Seager in first, and two more runs were charged to the southpaw in the third. Kikuchi still has a strong 3.02 ERA, and he’ll get another chance to lower that number against the Diamondbacks on Saturday.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
10 months ago
After a solid start, Kikuchi was forced to spectate as Ryan Zeferjahn allowed a go-ahead home run to Sean Murphy with two inherited runners on base. After retiring the first two batters in the sixth inning, both Jurickson Profar and Ozzie Albies singled which caused Angels interim manager Ray Montgomery to come and take the ball from Kikuchi. He had just reached the 100-pitch mark and wasn’t particularly sharp despite his excellent final line. Still, it’s clear the move didn’t pay off as the Braves wound up taking the lead running the score up late in this game. Kikuchi is scheduled for a two-start week coming up against the Rangers and Diamondbacks to close out the first half.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
10 months ago
The 12 strikeouts are just one off his career high established against the Giants last July. He really embraced the curve for a second straight start, throwing it 29% of the time. He also used it 30% of the time against the Astros last week, compared to just 11% of the time previously this year. Kikuchi is the major league leader with 44 walks this season, but just one of those came today, and he has a 31/3 K/BB over his last three starts. The win was his third in seven starts after he went 0-4 in his first 10 turns. He’ll pitch in Atlanta next time out.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
10 months ago
Kikuchi gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out 10. The 33-year-old left-hander had his strikeout stuff working, but was also fairly hittable against the Orioles on Sunday. Kikuchi struck out the first two batters in the sixth inning before allowing a single to Gary Sanchez. Cedric Mullins laid a bunt down and Kikuchi threw it away allowing Sanchez to score and Mullins to reach third base. Coby Mayo followed with an RBI double to chase Kikuchi. He has a 3.05 ERA on the year heading into his start against the Astros at home next weekend.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
11 months ago
Kikuchi was throwing a bit harder than usual tonight, but he still gave up plenty of hard contact and he managed just six whiffs while throwing 99 pitches. Still, it was kind of a typical outing for him this year. Among the 80 qualified pitchers, he’s a solid 39th with a 3.23 ERA yet 79th with a 1.59 WHIP. We don’t like him in mixed leagues right now, but the daring could try him for a two-start week against the A’s and O’s next week.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
11 months ago
Kikuchi gets the loss despite allowing just the one run, as Clarke Schmidt and the New York bullpen silenced the Angels’ bats. He didn’t exactly have impeccable control in this outing with five walks and 42-of-93 pitches landing outside the strike zone, but he struck out four and kept the Yankees off-balance for the majority of the outing. He’s now 1-5 on the season, but Kikuchi has pitched much better than that mark with an ERA of 3.06. He’ll hope to pitch well with some run support against the Red Sox next week.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
11 months ago
The 33-year-old southpaw racked up seven strikeouts on the afternoon while allowing four free passes. The only damage done against him came on an RBI single by Shohei Ohtani in the fifth inning. Kikuchi got 10 swings and misses on 98 pitches on the afternoon — seven on his fastball — while posting a CSW of 29 percent. He exited with a 4-1 lead and in line for his first victory as a member of the Angels, but his bullpen was unable to hang on for him. He’ll carry a 3.50 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and a 50/26 K/BB ratio (54 innings) into a premium matchup against the Marlins on Friday.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
12 months ago
Kikuchi, 33, scattered five hits while striking out six, and he issued just one walk. The southpaw threw 70-of-91 pitches for strikes, and he was able to generate 11 swings and misses on those offerings. Unfortunately, he got just a single run of support, so a start deserving a win goes unrewarded. He’ll take a 3.83 ERA into a start Sunday against the struggling Orioles.
LAA • Pitcher • #16
12 months ago
Kikuchi, 33, scattered five his while striking out six, and he issued just one walk. The southpaw threw 70-of-91 pitches for strikes, and he was able to generate 11 swings and misses on those offerings. Unfortunately he got just a single run of support, so a start deserving a win goes unrewarded. He’ll take a 3.83 ERA into a start Sunday against the struggling Orioles.