Jays deal LHP Yusei Kikuchi to Astros, land RHP Jake Bloss

Field Level Media|published: Mon 29th July, 23:37 2024

Jul 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (16) pitches to the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros acquired left-hander Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, adding a veteran pitcher to their rotation.

Toronto received right-hander Jake Bloss, outfielder Joey Loperfido and minor league infielder Will Wagner.

Bloss was scratched from his scheduled start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday before news of the trade broke. Fellow right-hander Tayler Scott got the nod instead.

Kikuchi, 33, went 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA across 22 starts with the Blue Jays this season.

In six major league seasons with the Seattle Mariners (2019-21) and Toronto (2022-24), Kikuchi has gone 36-46 with a 4.72 ERA in 156 appearances (144 starts).

Bloss, 23, was Houston's No. 9 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. He is in his rookie season and was 0-1 with a 6.94 ERA in three starts for the Astros, one in June and two in July.

Loperfido, a 25-year-old rookie, hit .236 with two home runs and 16 RBIs in 38 games for Houston this season.

Wagner, 26, has spent this year with Triple-A Sugar Land, where he compiled a .307 batting average to go along with five homers and 41 RBIs in 70 games. He is the son of legendary closer Billy Wagner.

--Field Level Media