Kikuchi wins his seventh start of the season against Ryu Hyun-jin…’personal best’
Yusei Kikuchi, the Toronto Blue Jays’ fifth starter, tied the Major League Baseball (MLB) record for most wins by an individual with five온라인바카라.
Kikuchi pitched seven innings of two-hit ball (one home run), two walks and eight strikeouts in a 12-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Monday (June 26).
It was the first time Kikuchi, who signed a three-year, $36 million contract with Toronto before last season, has pitched seven innings since joining the organization. Kikuchi earned his first win in five games since May 31 against the Milwaukee Brewers and improved to 7-2 on the season.
It is the most wins in a season for Kikuchi, who has been in the major leagues since 2019. He previously went 7-9 with the Seattle Mariners in 2021.
Kikuchi went 6-7 with a 5.19 ERA after struggling last year and being pushed out of the starting rotation, but has established himself as a mainstay in Toronto’s starting rotation this year. He leads a rotation that includes Jose Berrios (8 wins), Chris Bassett and Kevin Gausman (7+).
Manager John Schneider applauded Kikuchi’s performance, saying, “Last year, you could see him get nervous when he was in unfavorable two-ball situations, but this year he’s pitching with confidence in any count.”
Kikuchi’s performance is also closely tied to Ryu Hyun-jin, who is rehabbing with the goal of returning in the second half of the season. Toronto had planned to utilize Ryu as a starter once he returned to the majors, and Kikuchi’s position as the fifth starter was the most uncertain.
MLB.com reported last month that Kikuchi could be pushed out of the starting rotation, saying, “The return of ace Ryu could be a factor.”
Ryu, who underwent elbow ligament reconstruction surgery in June of last year, is making good progress in his rehabilitation. He recently threw a live game and is expected to make a rehab start in the minors soon.
Kikuchi hasn’t been able to throw long innings, leaving the game early three times in six games in May. His first three games in June also showed signs of jitters, lasting a maximum of five innings, but he rebounded with six innings of two-hit ball against the Miami Marlins on June 21, striking out six and walking none.
“I’m happy to go seven innings for the first time since joining Toronto,” said Kikuchi, who had pitched well in two straight games before Oakland. I felt really good today,” Kikuchi said.
With its 43rd win of the season, Toronto moved into third place in the American League wild-card standings, ahead of the Houston Astros (41-36) and Los Angeles Angels (42-37). Major League Baseball postseason berths are awarded to the winners of each district and the first through third wild cards in both leagues.