Yusei Kikuchi has messed around early and gotten away with it before. Thing is, though, that’s no way to live. Eventually, it’s bound to catch up to you. And on Wednesday it did. (ArdenZwelling)
It all started so well, as Kikuchi went right after Kansas City leadoff hitter Whit Merrifield and struck him out with a slider. But then he walked Andrew Benintendi on four pitches and Bobby Witt Jr. on six, losing the zone entirely. His next pitch to MJ Melendez was in the dirt, and although he found the plate briefly following that, Kikuchi still served up a flared, run-scoring double into shallow left field that came off the catcher’s bat at only 66.3-mph.
It was the shortest outing of Kikuchi’s 81-start MLB career and an unfortunate step backwards after he’d spent the last month realizing the potential the Blue Jays see in his heavy left arm. Kikuchi was spectacular in May, pitching to a 2.36 ERA and 2.65 FIP over 26.2 innings. His 28.7 per cent strikeout rate was the 11th highest among 69 qualified MLB starters; his .177 batting average against was fifth.
But on Friday the Blue Jays begin a run of games on 13 consecutive days, kicking off a stretch in which they’re scheduled to play 31 times in 31 days leading into the all-star break, which includes a doubleheader on July 2. Bullpen-carried games like Wednesday’s need to be few and far between. Similar refrain for Adam Cimber, who was saddled with the indignity of allowing Perez’s first triple in a half-decade when Tapia misplayed a fly ball in the right field corner during the sixth, before allowing a well-struck double to Santana that plated the run.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Manoah, Blue Jays shut down Royals 7-0Alek Manoah scattered six hits in six scoreless innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0 Tuesday night.
Read more »
Three things: Jays’ Ross Stripling looks like he’s been starting all alongHere are three things you need to know about the Blue Jays’ 8-0 win in Kansas City on Monday night ⚾️
Read more »
Blue Jays vs Royals Picks and Predictions: Manoah Shuts Down Royals' Struggling BatsThe Toronto Blue Jays’ bats continued their surge in last night’s 8\u002D0 series\u002Dopening win against the Kansas City Royals. The Jays have now plated six or more…
Read more »
Stripling's versatility, resourcefulness on display as Blue Jays trounce RoyalsThere isn't much Ross Stripling hasn't done on the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays this season. The latest example of his versatility came Monday when he led the team to victory in his first start in a month. (ArdenZwelling)
Read more »
As Blue Jays win again, Jansen, Ryu injuries create questions and possibilities - Sportsnet.caThe biggest news for the Toronto Blue Jays took place before a 7-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. The team has some decisions to make after Danny Jansen returned to the injured list, where he joins Hyun Jin Ryu. (ArdenZwelling)
Read more »
Blue Jays' Jansen placed on IL with broken finger after being hit by pitch - Sportsnet.caToronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen is heading to the injured list with a small fracture on the pinky finger on his left hand after he was hit by a pitch on Monday night against the Kansas City Royals.
Read more »