Angels reinstate LHP Yusei Kikuchi after shoulder inflammation

Field Level Media|published: 08/23/2026, 1:47pm EDT

Apr 24, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (16) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Angels reinstated left-hander Yusei Kikuchi to start against the Texas Rangers on Sunday after he spent nearly four months on the injured list with shoulder inflammation.

To open a roster spot, right-hander Michael Fulmer was designated for assignment.

Kikuchi, 35, was 0-3 with a 5.81 ERA in seven starts to open the season and left the game after pitching two scoreless innings in a loss to the Chicago White Sox on April 29.

Last season, the Japan native was 7-11 with a 3.99 ERA in 33 starts and was named to the American League All-Star team.

Over eight major league seasons, Kikuchi is 48-61 with a 4.50 ERA in 206 career appearances (194 starts) for the Seattle Mariners (2019-21), Toronto Blue Jays (2022-24), Houston Astros (2024) and Angels.

Fulmer, 33, did not allow a run in three relief outings with the Angels this season. In parts of nine major league seasons, he is 37-50 with a 3.92 ERA in 268 appearances (90 starts) for five teams including six seasons with the Detroit Tigers (2016-22).

He was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2016.

--Field Level Media