Kikuchi begins rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga
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Yusei Kikuchi’s comeback trail began on Thursday.
Kikuchi, who has been sidelined since May 3 due to left shoulder inflammation, made his first rehab appearance for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga against the San Jose Giants. The veteran left-hander allowed six runs (four earned) in three innings and threw 36 of 53 pitches for strikes. Kikuchi allowed six hits, struck out five batters and didn’t issue a walk.
Kikuchi threw live sessions against hitters on July 21 and July 25 before he was deemed ready to begin his rehab assignment. He’s expected to make at least three starts before returning to the Majors, likely in mid-August.
The San Jose squad hit a trio of home runs in the third inning against Kikuchi, including a no-doubt homer from Josuar Gonzalez, MLB Pipeline’s top Giants prospect and the No. 15 prospect in baseball. It was the first Single-A homer from Gonzalez, who was recently promoted from the Rookie-level ACL Giants.