Kikuchi replaced on All-Star roster

SEATTLE -- Yusei Kikuchi has been replaced on the American League roster for Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Coors Field.

The Japanese left-hander pulled out along with Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, with the two being replaced by the Rays’ Andrew Kittredge and the Twins’ Taylor Rogers.

MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. on FOX

Kikuchi is in Denver taking part of the festivities after being activated from the COVID-19 injured list on Monday following an issue over the weekend. He is fully vaccinated and twice tested negative in order to attend the Midsummer Classic.

Kikuchi driven by fatherhood, 'soft heart'

This marked the first MLB All-Star selection for Kikuchi, who was a three-time selection in Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. He is Seattle’s lone representative in 2021 after going 6-4 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 starts during the first half.

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