Yusei Kikuchi Has A New Curveball
2 years agoToronto Blue Jays left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, who is starting the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, is featuring a new curveball in camp this spring. Kikuchi is trying to win the fifth spot in the starting rotation in spring training this year. He struggled in his first season with the Blue Jays in 2022 after signing a $36 million deal, posting a 5.19 ERA and eventually losing his rotation spot. "His confidence level is high right now," pitching coach Pete Walker said. "He's excited. He told me it's the best he's felt in five years, so all encouraging things." The 31-year-old southpaw does generate plenty of swings and misses, though, so he's still worth a late-round flier in deeper leagues if he wins the final rotation spot for the Jays.
Source: The Athletic - Kaitlyn McGrath
Source: The Athletic - Kaitlyn McGrath