Yusei Kikuchi
Breakdown
Performance
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May 5, 2026
Shut down multiple weeks
Kikuchi (shoulder) will be shut down from throwing for 3-to-4 weeks, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis
The fact that the 34-year-old southpaw doesn't seem to need surgery makes it more likely that he returns before the end of the season, but it could still be a while before he appears on a big-league mound. The Angels plan to build Kikuchi up as a starter once he's cleared to begin a throwing program, and they may have a better picture of his return timeline once he progresses to that point.
May 5, 2026
Could be out several months
Kikuchi (shoulder) could be sidelined for "several months, if not the whole season," Mike DiGiovanna of the "Halo Territory" podcast reports.
Analysis
Kikuchi was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with left shoulder inflammation, but his MRI is still being evaluated, and DiGiovanna is hearing the southpaw may be tending to a long-term injury. The Angels should offer more clarity on Kikuchi's timetable later this week. Sam Aldegheri was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake and will start Tuesday against the White Sox in Kikuchi's place.
May 3, 2026
Out with shoulder inflammation
The Angels placed Kikuchi on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to left shoulder inflammation.
Analysis
The left-hander departed his most recent start Wednesday against the White Sox due to shoulder tightness, and he'll spend at least the next couple weeks on the shelf due to the injury. According to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, Kikuchi's MRI is still being evaluated, so it's possible his diagnosis is updated in the near future. It's been a rough start to the season even prior to the injury, with the 34-year-old carrying a 5.81 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 33:14 K:BB over 31 innings.