Los Angeles Angels Place Yusei Kikuchi on 15-Day Injured List

The Los Angeles Angels placed left-handed starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi on the 15-day injured list on May 4, 2026, according to a Japan Times report. The placement is retroactive to April 30, following inflammation in his left shoulder sustained during a start against the Chicago White Sox on April 29.

Kikuchi, a 34-year-old from Morioka, Japan, pitched two scoreless innings before being removed prior to the third inning. In seven starts this season, Kikuchi has an 0-3 record with a 5.81 ERA. He has recorded 33 strikeouts over 31 innings, while allowing 35 hits and 14 walks, resulting in a 1.581 WHIP.

To replace Kikuchi on the active roster, the Angels called up left-hander Tayler Saucedo from Triple-A Salt Lake. Saucedo, 32, posted a 4.30 ERA in 12 appearances for Salt Lake, allowing 12 hits and 11 walks over 14⅔ innings. In his major league career spanning five seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays from 2021 to 2022 and the Seattle Mariners from 2023 to 2025, Saucedo has a 5-2 record and a 4.36 ERA across 148 relief appearances.

The team has not announced a specific timeline for Kikuchi's return or further details on his recovery. This adjustment comes amid the Angels' ongoing season efforts to manage pitching resources.