Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi continued his excellent start to the season in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Yankees. Kikuchi pitched six innings, allowing one run on four hits and a walk with nine strikeouts. Everything is finally clicking for the 32-year-old, who is now 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 12.05 K/9 rate in his first four starts and 21 2/3 IP. He will look to keep things going in his next projected start at the Royals.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi pitched well on Wednesday but did not factor into the decision as the Jays were unable to provide run support in the 6-1 loss to the Mariners. Kikuchi allowed just one earned run on three hits and two walks while striking out nine batters. The game would ultimately be decided in the tenth inning after the Mariners put up five runs in the top half of the frame. After allowing three earned runs in his first start of the season, the southpaw has given up just one earned run, seven hits, and has a 4:16 BB:K over his last two starts (11 1/3 IP). For the season the 32-year-old has a 2.30 ERA (2.83 FIP) and 1.28 WHIP. His next start lines up with the Yankees next Tuesday in Toronto.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi aims to put his awful spring training further in the rear-view mirror during Wednesday's home start versus the visiting Seattle Mariners and right-hander Logan Gilbert. Kikuchi coughed up 14 runs in 7 2/3 innings of Grapefruit League play, but he's turned things around for a 2.79 ERA (3.80 FIP) and 11 strikeouts through his first 9 2/3 regular-season frames. He hurled 5 1/3 scoreless innings with seven punchouts to help the Jays shut out the division-rival New York Yankees last Friday, and the 32-year-old Japanese left-hander now gets a Seattle team that he's thrown 11 1/3 scoreless frames with 14 K's against since 2022. The M's are the only American League club Kikuchi has not allowed a run to in his career, making the southpaw a convincing fantasy play on Wednesday. Gilbert, on the other hand, is 0-2 with a 6.95 ERA in 22 career innings against Toronto.

Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (neck) is listed as the team's probable starter on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Kikuchi left his last start early on Tuesday against the New York Yankees with a left upper trapezius cramp, but the 32-year-old southpaw later expressed confidence that he could make his next turn through the starting rotation. Toronto needs all hands on deck as they try to lock down one of the last wild-card spots in the American League down the stretch with under 10 regular season games remaining. The Japanese hurler has been solid for the Jays in 2023 with a 3.74 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 170 strikeouts in 158 2/3 innings over 30 starts, and he's been even better in the second half with a 3.03 ERA (2.80 FIP) and 74 K's in 65 1/3 frames over 12 starts.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (cramp) said Tuesday that he thinks he will be ready to make his next start after leaving the 7-1 win over the Yankees early with cramping, per The Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath. Despite leaving with a left upper trap muscle cramp, Kikuchi was able to secure his 10th win by allowing just one run on four hits and a walk with seven strikeouts over five innings. Things have finally clicked for the 32-year-old this season, as he has a 3.74 ERA and 9.64 K/9 rate in 30 starts. His next start would be a tough one at the Rays, but he has shown enough this season to give fantasy managers some reassurance.

Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Yusei Kikuchi was removed from his start early on Tuesday against the New York Yankees in the Bronx with a left upper trap muscle cramp, according to the team. It was still a positive outing for Kikuchi, as he was able to pick up his 10th win of the season by allowing just one earned run on four hits while walking one and striking out seven in five innings to lower his season ERA to 3.74. It doesn't sound like a serious issue for the 32-year-old veteran southpaw, but his next scheduled start on Sunday in Tampa Against the Rays should be considered up in the air right now. Kikuchi came into his start on Tuesday with a 9-6 record, 3.81 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 163 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings over 29 starts. He'll be extra risky if he makes his start this weekend in a tough matchup, but you can't argue with his strikeout upside.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi is getting the ball to begin a crucial series for the ball club Tuesday night in New York against the Yankees. While the Yankees are out of playoff contention, the Blue Jays are in a three-way dogfight for the final two Wild Card spots in the American League along with the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. The left-hander has enjoyed a career year in 2023, pitching to a 3.81 ERA across 29 starts. He also sports a 4.29 FIP, 3.94 SIERA, and a solid 18.4% K-BB% in his 153 2/3 innings of work on the season. Kikuchi will be in search of a bounce-back effort on Tuesday as he was touched up for six earned runs across just five innings of work his last time out against the Rangers, although he allowed just one earned run across six innings in his lone start against the Yankees this season.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi put forth another strong effort in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Phillies. Kikuchi pitched six innings, allowing one run on four hits and no walks with seven strikeouts. The 32-year-old has quietly put together a solid campaign, going 9-4 with a 3.44 ERA and a 9.26 K/9 rate in 24 starts. His next start will be a tougher matchup at the Orioles, but he has performed well enough that fantasy managers may consider starting him depending on their situation.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi is getting the starting nod Wednesday night versus the rival Baltimore Orioles. The 32-year-old has enjoyed his best season in the big leagues to this point, working to a 3.79 ERA across 21 starts but it's his control that has been his biggest improvement with a 7.2% BB% that is well below the 12.8% mark he posted in the 2022 season. The southpaw has been particularly strong over his last three starts, pitching 16 innings of three-run ball with 20 strikeouts to his credit in that time. He will take on an Orioles offense that is tied for ninth with a .332 wOBA against left-handed pitching this season.

Tuesday's 7-2 win over the Brewers was a big milestone day for Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, who achieved his 500th Major League strikeout while also earning his 100th career win between MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball. Kikuchi pitched five innings, allowing two runs on three hits (including a two-run home run) and five walks with four strikeouts. The 31-year-old started the season off well but has cooled off more towards his career numbers and is now 6-2 with a 4.47 ERA, 8.31 K/9 rate, and 3.04 BB/9 rate in 11 starts. Kikuchi should continue to be a useful streamer throughout the season, although his next start will be against a resurgent Mets offense. Fantasy managers may consider sitting him in that matchup, particularly in roto leagued.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi turned in a solid start on Sunday, earning his fifth win in a 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The southpaw hurled 6 innings of scoreless ball while allowing just four hits and two walks. He also struck out three. Kikuchi sees his ERA lower to 3.35 and his WHIP to 1.19 after this one, and he is also one of only six pitchers with five wins on the year. While his underlying metrics don't look great, he has managed to greatly reduce his walk rate, something that was hurting him in the past. With good pitching being tough to come by right now, Kikuchi should be rostered in most leagues while he is getting results.

Toronto Blue Jays southpaw Yusei Kikuchi hurled 5 2/3 scoreless innings to notch his fourth win of the season in the Blue Jays' 8-0 win over the Chicago White Sox. Kikuchi surrendered just four hits while striking out eight batters over 89 pitches. The lefty has had quite an impressive start to the season and has the second-lowest ERA among qualified starters in Toronto's rotation. He owns a 3.00 ERA, which sits 16 points behind ace Kevin Gausman. On the season, Kikuchi has struck out 28 batters, along with a 1.11 WHIP. He also owns a 23.5% strikeout rate with a 5.9% walk rate and a .250 opponent average. If the 31-year-old can maintain an all-star caliber performance, he could become a trending waiver wire pickup among all leagues.

Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Yusei Kikuchi has made the team's Opening Day starting rotation, according to manager John Schneider. The 31-year-old Japanese hurler did it by allowing only two earned runs on nine hits while walking 10 and striking out 25 over 18 innings and six Grapefruit League starts this spring. He sealed the deal by fanning nine in five scoreless innings against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. It's great news for Kikuchi, but the walks are also concerning, and he wasn't very good last year in his first year in Toronto with a 5.19 ERA (5.62 FIP), 1.50 WHIP and 27.3 percent strikeout rate in 100 2/3 innings over 32 appearances (20 starts). The southpaw will have to pitch well to keep the rotation spot throughout the year.

Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, who is starting the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, is featuring a new curveball in camp this spring. Kikuchi is trying to win the fifth spot in the starting rotation in spring training this year. He struggled in his first season with the Blue Jays in 2022 after signing a $36 million deal, posting a 5.19 ERA and eventually losing his rotation spot. "His confidence level is high right now," pitching coach Pete Walker said. "He's excited. He told me it's the best he's felt in five years, so all encouraging things." The 31-year-old southpaw does generate plenty of swings and misses, though, so he's still worth a late-round flier in deeper leagues if he wins the final rotation spot for the Jays.

Toronto Blue Jays interim manager John Schneider said left-hander Yusei Kikuchi will transition to a relief role. He has struggled this season, posting a 5.25 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and a 91:49 K:BB across 82 1/3 innings in 2022. The 31-year-old is expected to pitch out of the bullpen, starting with Saturday's game against the Yankees. Mitch White will draw the start and replace Kikuchi in the starting rotation. The 27-year-old has allowed four earned runs with a 5:4 K:BB over 9 1/3 frames in two starts since being acquired by the Blue Jays. White owns a 3.72 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and a 52:23 K:BB across 65 1/3 innings in 2022.

The Toronto Blue Jays placed left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (neck) on the 15-day injured list on Thursday with a neck strain and recalled right-hander Max Castillo from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. There's a good chance Kikuchi was bothered by his neck in his most recent start on Tuesday against the Oakland Athletics, when he allowed four earned runs in just 2 1/3 innings of work. The 31-year-old Japanese southpaw won't be able to return now until the second half of the season in late July, at the earliest. Kikuchi has been disappointing for the Jays and fantasy managers in 2022, going 3-5 with a 5.12 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 74 strikeouts and a league-leading 41 free passes in 65 innings over 16 starts. Thomas Hatch could be an option to take Kikuchi's spot in the rotation.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi faced off against his old team, the Seattle Mariners, on Monday night and delivered a strong performance with no runs allowed in six innings. He gave up just one hit and three walks with six strikeouts to earn his second victory of the season. In three May starts, Kikuchi has been outstanding, recording a 1.56 ERA and 0.75 WHIP with 20 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings. After a disappointing 2021 season, Kikuchi is a starter to keep an eye on for the back of fantasy rosters, though he hasn't earned enough trust to be a must-add just yet.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi turned in his second consecutive strong start against the Yankees in Tuesday's 6-5 loss. Kikuchi pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks with seven strikeouts. The 30-year-old has held fantasy intrigue throughout his career but has yet to put it all together. His last two starts have been strong, but he holds a mediocre 4.15 ERA through six starts this season. His next start will come at home against his former Mariners. Kikuchi is worth keeping an eye on, but fantasy managers should wait to see more positive performances from him before fully buying in.

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year deal worth $36 million, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman. The 30-year-old Kikuchi spent the last three years with the Seattle Mariners and had his best overall season last year. He was an All-Star in 2021 and he finished the year with a 7-9 record, a 4.41 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP while averaging 9.3 K/9. The Blue Jays lost 2021 AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray to the Seattle Mariners this offseason, but they've bolstered their rotation by adding Kevin Gausman and now Kikuchi through free agency. Kikuchi should slide into the middle or back of the Jays' rotation and is an intriguing target in the late round of fantasy drafts.