The Los Angeles Angels have decided Yusei Kikuchi will remain on his rehab assignment instead of returning to the major league rotation this week.
The veteran left-hander is scheduled to start for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday as he continues recovering from left shoulder inflammation. The move gives Kikuchi one more opportunity to build up before the Angels determine whether he is ready to be activated.
Kikuchi has been on the 60-day injured list for more than three months after making seven starts for the Angels this season. Before the injury, he went 0-3 with a 5.81 ERA, 33 strikeouts and a 1.58 WHIP across 31 innings.
Angels beat reporter Rhett Bollinger reported on X that the club will keep Kikuchi on his rehab assignment, with the left-hander set to make another start for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday rather than rejoining the Angels this weekend. That update confirms the organization wants one more outing before deciding on his return.
Kikuchi has made three rehab appearances between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Salt Lake. He owns a 15.75 ERA over eight innings during those outings, although the Angels have been encouraged by his improved velocity after his fastball averaged 95.5 mph in his latest appearance.
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The 35-year-old is in the second season of his three-year contract with Los Angeles and remains an important part of the club's plans beyond this season. Another healthy rehab start could clear the way for his return later this month.
The Angels enter the stretch run in last place in the American League West at 47-74, 14.5 games behind the first-place Houston Astros. Rather than rushing Kikuchi back, the organization has chosen to prioritize his health before making a final decision on activating him.
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