The Houston Astros were active before the trade deadline in hopes of bolstering their roster before another late-season push. On Tuesday, the Astros made a splash move, trading for Japanese lefty Yusei Kikuchi. This move gave Houston another starter, which the team hoped would improve their rotation and help the team make a deep postseason run.
Kikuchi quickly impacted his new team during a start on Friday night, during which he made history. The 33-year-old Japanese-born player became the first Japanese pitcher in Astros history.
In his Astros debut tonight, Yusei Kikuchi became the first Japanese pitcher in Astros franchise history 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/TYSyGNiYFU
— Shawn Spradling (@Shawn_Spradling) August 3, 2024
The six-year MLB veteran, now on his third team, was impressed at his first start in Houston. Kikuchi settled into a rhythm after allowing two runs in the first inning. He began to deal in the third inning and struck out eight batters in a row, which tied Don Wilson, Jim Deshaies, and Justin Verlander for the most consecutive strikeouts in franchise history. Kikuchi finished with 11 strikeouts, the most by a pitcher in their Astros debut since Gerrit Cole had 11 in 2018. He allowed three hits and three walks in five and two-thirds. Kikuchi showcased his powerful changeup and slider to collect most of his strikeouts.
Yusei Kikuchi, Nasty 90mph Slider. 😨
11th K. pic.twitter.com/lyHOKgWyuL
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 3, 2024
The former All-Star with the Mariners in 2021, Kikuchi has a 4.67 ERA in 23 games this season. Coming off a career-best season in 2023, when Kikuchi went 11-6 with a 3.86 ERA, the Astros believe he can be a solid starter to help their late-season aspirations.
____
WBN MLB: https://worldbaseball.com/league/mlb/
Photo Credit: Yusei Kikuchi #16 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Minute Maid Park on August 2, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
