Overview
- The Angels reinstated left-hander Yusei Kikuchi and plan to start him against the Texas Rangers after a nearly four-month stint on the 60-day injured list, as reported on Sunday.
- Kikuchi was placed on the injured list with left shoulder inflammation after his April 29 start and avoided surgery while being shut down from throwing for several weeks.
- Before the IL stint he had a 5.81 ERA in seven starts but an unusually high .352 batting average on balls in play against him, a sign his early 2026 results may have been affected by bad luck rather than a clear decline.
- To make room for Kikuchi the Angels designated right-hander Michael Fulmer for assignment and must clear both an active roster spot and a 40-man roster spot to finalize the move.
- If Kikuchi shows little rust he could provide a veteran lift and potentially slot behind Reid Detmers in the rotation, giving the Angels more depth after recent injuries and trades.