In a tense finish to the season, left-hander Yusei Kikuchi exited the Los Angeles Angels’ 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on March 27, 2024, due to a left forearm cramp. Kikuchi, who was pitching impressively with a one-hitter, faced an abrupt end to his outing shortly after entering the sixth inning. The decision to remove him came swiftly, with Angels athletic trainer Eric Munson and several team members, including the manager and pitching coach, approaching the mound.
With the season nearing its conclusion, the Angels opted to prioritize Kikuchi’s health, bringing his campaign to a close. This marked the first year of his three-year, $63 million deal with the team, which unfolded largely as anticipated given his previous performance history. In the 2023 season, he maintained a 4.05 ERA over 175.2 innings with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros, improving notably after a mid-season trade to the Astros. The Angels had hoped to secure his best form for the entirety of the season, but they ultimately had to settle for a solid, albeit less dominant version.
Kikuchi concluded his stint with the Angels boasting a 3.99 ERA across a career-high 178.1 innings. Despite earning a spot on the All-Star team, his performance declined during the latter half of the season, although he did finish strong with a 2.16 ERA in his last three appearances. He was credited with the victory against the Royals, as the Angels held a 3-1 lead at the time of his departure.
The Angels’ offense contributed to the win with an improved approach at the plate, striking out only six times—their lowest total in a game since September 10. This performance came after a troubling stretch in which the team averaged 14 strikeouts per game over an 11-game span, resulting in a dismal record of 1-10. Facing right-hander Stephen Kolek, whose 17% strikeout rate was below the major league average of 22%, the Angels capitalized on opportunities, demonstrating a more disciplined approach.
In the second inning, Luis Rengifo and Christian Moore both managed hits on two-strike pitches, with Rengifo scoring on a groundout by Oswald Peraza. The Angels added to their score in the fourth when catcher Sebastian Rivero put a two-strike pitch into play, which Kolek mishandled, allowing another run to score. Taylor Ward also made his mark, launching his 36th home run of the season.
Although the Royals managed to narrow the gap with a run against Chase Silseth in the seventh inning, the Angels’ bullpen, led by Luis Garcia and Kenley Jansen, secured the win. Jansen recorded his 28th save of the season, sealing the Angels’ victory.
As the Angels look ahead, they will continue to evaluate their roster and performance as they prepare for the coming season.
