After switching to relief in August, he threw a total of 18 1/3 innings in 12 games, striking out 33.
Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi finished the regular season with a 4-6 record and a 5.19 ERA in 32 games this season. He turned to relief in the middle of the season, and pitched a clean sheet in the last four games. Local media are appreciating the recovery.
In the match against the Orioles on the 5th (Japan time 6th), he pitched 2/3 of the first inning and became the winning pitcher with no hits and no runs and two strikeouts. “It’s been a disappointing season for Yusei Kikuchi because it hasn’t been consistent,” commentator Pat Tabler of the Blue Jays broadcaster Sportsnet said. It’s a strikeout,” he noted.
Looking at the percentage of strikeouts per batter (K%), 40% of batters facing off have struck out since they went to relief in mid-August. As a factor for this, Tabla said, “First, the speed of the slider has increased. The Blue Jays have been working on him throwing a fast slider, and it happened in the late game. They also reduced cutters from their repertoire. Recently. These corrections were something the Blue Jays repeatedly told Kikuchi as a starter early in the season, but for some reason he hadn’t been able to make it happen. We are able to do that,” he said.
He continued, “Another fix the Blue Jays would like to see is that they want us to use the fastball more. We’ve been using the slider more than the fastball. The Blue Jays want to see more mid-90+ fastballs.” I expect further improvement.
Canadian media “Sportsnet” touched on the good pitching at the end of the season, “Interestingly, Kikuchi has returned to the point where he is being considered for a postseason roster again.” He said he has “adapted to his new role” by pitching 18 1/3 innings and striking out 33 in 12 pitches since switching to relief.
The Blue Jays, who will challenge the postseason from the 7th (the 8th), said, “It is still unknown what Kikuchi’s position will be.” Acting manager John Schneider has so far said about Kikuchi, “(As a relief pitcher), his fighting style against left-handed hitters is really good. He throws strikes and strikes out.” It’s about not being afraid to use him when it matters. He’s pitching long innings.” In what kind of situations do you see him being used?
(Full-Count editorial department)