Yusei Kikuchi
Breakdown
Performance
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April 19, 2026
Brilliant in no-decision
Kikuchi took a no-decision Saturday against the Padres, allowing no runs on four hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out eight.
Analysis
It was easily a season-best performance by the southpaw, who worked his longest outing of the year, turned in his first scoreless start and tied a season high with eight punchouts. Despite Saturday's brilliant showing, Kikuchi still has a rough 5.63 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 27:11 K:BB over his first 24 innings. His next start tentatively lines up to come against the Royals, who do have a poor .605 OPS versus left-handed pitching thus far in 2026.
April 14, 2026
Hit hard in no-decision
Kikuchi didn't factor into the decision Monday against the Yankees, allowing four runs on four hits and four walks while striking out three over 3.1 innings.
Analysis
Kikuchi ran into trouble early in both the first and second innings, allowing leadoff baserunners before serving up homers to Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham, respectively. The left-hander was pulled in the fourth after issuing a walk to Paul Goldschmidt, ending another disappointing start. The 34-year-old has now allowed at least four runs in each of his last three outings, and his season numbers have taken a hit as a result. Through 18 innings, Kikuchi owns a 7.50 ERA, 1.89 WHIP and a 19:10 K:BB.