The Los Angeles Angels made a significant roster adjustment Sunday, reinstating left-hander Yusei Kikuchi from the 60-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start against the Texas Rangers.
To clear room for Kikuchi on the 40-man roster, the Angels designated veteran right-hander Michael Fulmer for assignment, according to the club’s official announcement.
Kikuchi had been sidelined with left shoulder inflammation since May and worked through a lengthy rehabilitation process before returning to the rotation. The Angels sent him on multiple Minor League rehab assignments, with his latest outing coming for Single-A Inland Empire on Aug. 15.
The 35-year-old left-hander made seven starts before the injury, going 0-3 with a 5.81 ERA over 31 innings. His return gives Los Angeles another experienced arm for the final portion of the season after months away from the major league rotation.
Fulmer’s departure comes only days after the Angels selected his contract from Triple-A Salt Lake. The club had signed the former American League Rookie of the Year to a Minor League deal on Aug. 11 before bringing him to the majors four days later.
The 33-year-old reliever now enters the designation-for-assignment process, giving the Angels five days to trade him or place him on waivers. His removal creates the roster space necessary for Kikuchi’s return while leaving the veteran’s next destination uncertain.
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
For the Angels, the bigger development is getting Kikuchi back into their rotation. His previous results were uneven, but his experience could provide useful innings for a club continuing to evaluate its pitching staff.
After spending more than three months recovering, Kikuchi’s return will give Los Angeles a chance to assess what the left-hander can provide before the offseason. The Angels will also monitor how his shoulder responds to regular major league work.
The roster move ultimately reflects the difficult decisions that come with getting an injured starter back. Kikuchi is back, while Fulmer becomes the latest player caught in the numbers game.
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