Kikuchi fans 7 for Triple-A Salt Lake in third rehab start

Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi is getting closer to a return to the Angels.

Kikuchi, working his way back from left shoulder inflammation, made his third rehab start on Sunday for Triple-A Salt Lake against Oklahoma City, the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate. He built up to 69 pitches (44 strikes) in what could be his final rehab appearance, but he has continuously struggled to retire hitters, including on Sunday.

In 3 1/3 innings against the Comets, Kikuchi allowed four runs (all earned) on six hits. Oklahoma City catcher Griffin Lockwood-Powell doubled in two runs off Kikuchi in the second inning, and outfielder James Tibbs III hit an opposite-field two-run home run in the third.

Kikuchi racked up seven strikeouts against just one walk in Sunday's outing, giving him 16 K's in just eight rehab innings. He has allowed 14 earned runs for a 15.75 ERA, although part of that is attributable to the lack of PitchCom during his first rehab appearance for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

At 95.5 mph, Kikuchi's fastball velocity was right in line with his season average, and he topped out at 96.7 mph. Initially expected to need at least three rehab outings before returning to the Angels, it remains to be seen if he will make another Minor League appearance first.

Kikuchi had a 5.81 ERA in seven starts this season before his injury. The veteran should be welcomed right back into a rotation that has already lost right-hander Jack Kochanowicz (Tommy John surgery) for the season.