Angels Place Yusei Kikuchi on Injured List, Promote Tayler Saucedo

On Sunday, the Los Angeles Angels moved left-hander Yusei Kikuchi to the 15-day injured list because of left-shoulder inflammation. Kikuchi, 34, was pulled from his scheduled start against the Chicago White Sox after delivering a single warm-up pitch before the third inning. The team also purchased the contract of left-hander Tayler Saucedo from Triple-A Salt Lake, making him eligible for a major-league debut.

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Kikuchi entered the 2024 season adjusting his arm slot, a change reflected in his early results. Through seven starts he posted a 0-3 record with a 5.81 ERA, a sharp rise from his 2023 campaign in which he logged a 7-11 record and a 3.99 ERA over 33 starts. The adjustment was intended to improve durability but coincided with the shoulder issue that prompted the IL move.

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• Yusei Kikuchi – A Japan-born left-hander who earned his first All-Star selection with the Angels last season. Over eight seasons with the Seattle Mariners (2019-21), Toronto Blue Jays (2022-24), Houston Astros (2024) and the Angels, he has compiled a 48-61 win-loss record and a 4.50 ERA across 206 appearances (194 starts).

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• Tayler Saucedo – A 32-year-old left-hander who spent five seasons with the Blue Jays (2021-22) and Mariners (2023-25). He recorded a 5-2 record and a 4.36 ERA in 148 relief outings before his Triple-A stint, where he posted a 0-1 record with a 4.30 ERA in 12 appearances.

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• Kikuchi’s 2024 line: 0-3, 5.81 ERA, 7 starts.

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• 2023 line: 7-11, 3.99 ERA, 33 starts.

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• Career totals: 48-61, 4.50 ERA, 206 games (194 starts).

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• Saucedo’s recent Triple-A stats: 0-1, 4.30 ERA, 12 relief appearances.

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General manager Perry Minasian said the club is monitoring Kikuchi’s condition closely. He noted that the pitcher “has some shoulder stuff, some soreness,” and that the medical staff will continue evaluations before determining his next assignment. The Angels also indicated that Saucedo will be given an opportunity to contribute at the major-league level once the roster spot opened.

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An MRI of Kikuchi’s left shoulder was performed on Friday, but the results have not been released. Minasian indicated that further medical information is pending and that the team will decide on Kikuchi’s status after reviewing the imaging.

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> “He's got some shoulder stuff, some soreness, so we're just waiting to see how it progresses.” — Perry Minasian, General Manager, Los Angeles Angels

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Kikuchi is expected to remain on the injured list for at least 15 days, after which the Angels will reassess his readiness to return. Saucedo’s promotion adds a left-handed reliever to the bullpen, potentially addressing a depth need while Kikuchi recovers. The outcome of the MRI will shape the Angels’ rotation strategy for the remainder of the season.

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