Yusei Kikuchi

Yusei Kikuchi allowed one hit and three walks over six scoreless innings on Monday against the Mariners. He struck out six and earned the win, moving to 2-1.

Fantasy Impact

Kikuchi has been on a roll of late, allowing two or fewer runs in three straight starts to lower his ERA to 3.38. His success lately can be attributed, in part, to him combining his slider and cutter into a single pitch that has had excellent results. It's unclear whether hitters will catch up to Kikuchi's new pitch mix once updated scouting reports go around, but for now, he's a must-start option, particularly considering that he's faced and succeeded against a number of tough offenses. He will take on the Reds in his next start.

Yusei Kikuchi allowed two runs on two hits and three walks over 5 1/3 innings on Tuesday against the Yankees. He struck out seven and did not factor into the decision.

Fantasy Impact

Kikuchi had a no-hitter going through five innings, but allowed two hits to lead off the sixth inning, and Yimi Garcia allowed both runners to score. This was the second straight start in which Kikuchi shut down the Yankees, and he looks to be getting into a groove. His 13 whiffs and 33% CSW rate on Tuesday were both strong, and he never came close to getting into trouble until his final inning. Kikuchi still isn't a must-start option, but given his recent success, fantasy managers should make sure he's in their lineups for his next outing against the Mariners.

Yusei Kikuchi allowed one run on three hits and a walk over six innings on Wednesday against the Yankees. He struck out seven and earned the win, moving to 1-1.

Fantasy Impact

Kikuchi was outstanding in the outing, with 15 whiffs on 78 pitches and an impressive 40% CSW rate. His overall numbers (4.35 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) don't blow you away, but he's run through an absolutely killer schedule, with two games each against the Yankees and Astros and one against the Red Sox. The road should get easier somewhat going forward, and if he can get his walk rate down closer to his career mark, he should find success. Unfortunately, he'll take on the Yankees yet again in his next start, but judging by his performance on Wednesday, managers can roll the dice with him.

Yusei Kikuchi pitched 2 and 2/3 innings on Friday against the Astros, allowing four earned runs on three walks and four hits.

Fantasy Impact

Kikuchi is off to a rough start to 2022 as he now has a 5.52 ERA and a 1.91 WHIP in four starts this season. He has only pitched 14 and 2/3 innings despite making four starts. Kikuchi is a pitcher to monitor moving forward but it is hard to want to start him in your fantasy lineups.

Toronto Blue Jays SP Yusei Kukuchi pitched three 2/3 innings on Sunday, striking out four, walking five, and allowing three hits for two earned runs in the Jays' 8-7 loss to the Astros.

Fantasy Impact

Kukuchi didn't take the loss on Sunday due to the fact that it was a back and forth game until the extra innings, but it also wasn't encouraging that he only lasted three 2/3 innings either. The starting pitcher now has a ERA of 3.75 but has yet to pick up his first win of the year and has only nine strikeouts over 12 total innings pitched, meaning that Kikuchi can currently remain on waivers.