Yusei Kikuchi's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Houston Astros acquired left-hander Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, according to sources. As of right now, it's unclear what the Astros have sent Toronto in return. Regardless of what the Astros gave up, the addition of Kikuchi is big for what has been an injury-depleted Houston rotation all year long. The 33-year-old veteran southpaw hasn't been all that great for fantasy managers in 2024, as he heads to Houston with a 4.75 ERA (3.64 FIP) and 1.34 WHIP with 130 strikeouts and only 30 walks in 115 2/3 innings over his 22 starts. He's gone 4-9 in the record department. Kikuchi has been even worse recently, but fantasy managers and the Astros will be hoping that a change of scenery and a move to a contending club can help him turn things around to close out the year.

Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Yusei Kikuchi was dialed in on the road on Tuesday night in San Francisco against the hosting Giants, but he came away with a no-decision despite giving up only two earned runs on six hits (two homers) while walking none and striking out a career-high 13 batters. In fact, this was the first time all year that Kikuchi tallied double-digit strikeouts. The 33-year-old southpaw's only blemishes were solo shots given up to Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald. Kikuchi has allowed two runs in each of his last two outings but still has a bloated 6.38 ERA (5.09 FIP) in 24 innings over his last five starts since June 17. He could into the All-Star break on a nice little run, though, as he matchups up next against the Arizona Diamondbacks this weekend. Kikuchi is 4-8 overall this year with a 4.00 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with a 111:23 K:BB in 101 1/3 frames (19 starts).

Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Yusei Kikuchi is getting the start on Wednesday in Baltimore against the Orioles. Right-hander Chris Bassitt was scheduled to start Tuesday's contest before it was postponed, and rather than just pushing Bassitt back a day, the Jays have elected to let Kikuchi take his turn in the rotation on normal rest. The 32-year-old Japanese left-hander has had a solid year to this point for Toronto, going 2-3 with a 2.64 ERA (2.59 FIP) and 1.05 WHIP with nine walks and 46 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings over his eight starts. He's allowed more than three runs in an outing just once in his eight starts and went a season-high eight innings while giving up just two runs his last time out in a tough-luck loss against the Twins last Friday. Kikuchi has been a must-start in fantasy lineups in 2024, but he's up against a tough matchup in the O's on Wednesday on the road.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi had a very strong outing on Friday night but picked up the loss as the Blue Jays fell to the Minnesota Twins 3-2. Kikuchi threw eight innings and gave up just two earned runs while striking out three. Kikuchi has been the Blue Jays' best pitcher this season, now having a 2.64 ERA. Kikuchi has shown significant improvement year-over-year by slightly reducing his BB% and has greatly reduced his HR/9 rate also. Fantasy managers should snag Kikuchi off the waiver wire if available. The lefty will look to continue his dominant season next Wednesday in a tough matchup against the Baltimore Orioles.

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.