Blue Jays' Yusei Kikuchi receives massive praise from John Schneider
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Yusei Kikuchi is beginning his third season with the Toronto Blue Jays. On Saturday, he took on the Tampa Bay Rays in his first start of the season where he gave up three runs in five innings.
The Blue Jays ended up losing to the Rays by a score of 5-1 during Kikuchi's outing. However, it wasn't necessarily his fault. While he did give up a home run to Randy Arozarena, the Blue Jays batters went completely cold for most of the game. It was a disappointing showing from the bats, especially with the hype surrounding Kikuchi's first start. The pitcher is incredibly well-liked, and as Blue Jays manager John Schneider explained, he is one of the most fun guys on the team.
"He's probably one of the more well-liked guys in the clubhouse. He's such an easy guy to gravitate towards. When he's dealing he's excited and quietly he's just a really, really funny guy."
In Spring Training, Kikuchi actually struggled at times. It was tough to watch, especially since his ERA was over 16. These are numbers that would typically land a player in the minors. Although Schneider has remained completely confident in his guy.
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In fact, Schneider acknowledged that last season was Kikuchi's time to prove himself. In the end, he did just that thanks to an 11-6 record. Additionally, Schneider noted that Kikuchi had bad numbers in Spring Training because he was just trying something new.
"He was kind of fighting for a spot last year. I think where the numbers get a little skewed and spring he was deliberately working on something every outing and it wasn't really how he would attack hitters in the season. I think we all know that he demands a really high standard (of himself). His stuff was there in the spring. It's just a matter of executing."
Today, the Blue Jays will look to bounce back against the Tampa Bay Rays. Kevin Gausman will be getting his first start of the season. You can catch the game over on Sportsnet in Canada, at 1:40 PM Eastern Standard Time. Additionally, you can keep it locked to Blue Jays Insider for more news and updates on your favorite team.
Source: The Toronto Sun
No fun in that: Dormant Blue Jays attack has no support for starter Yusei Kikuchi
No fun in that: Dormant Blue Jays attack has no support for starter Yusei Kikuchi
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31 MARS | 57 ANSWERS Blue Jays' Yusei Kikuchi receives massive praise from John Schneider Have you enjoyed Yusei Kikuchi's tenure with the team? | ||
| Yes | 43 | 75.4 % |
| No | 14 | 24.6 % |
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