Kikuchi Rejoins Angels Rotation vs Rangers

Yusei Kikuchi returned from a 60-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation to start for the Angels against the Texas Rangers, but he allowed five runs over five innings in a 5-3 loss after rehab assignments. The 35-year-old left-hander had posted a 0-3 record with a 5.81 ERA in seven prior MLB starts before his injury, and his latest rehab numbers were rough (15.63 ERA over 12.2 innings in four minor-league outings). Despite a recent hot stretch from the Angels’ younger rotation—George Klassen, Walbert Ureña, Grayson Rodriguez, Reid Detmers and Ryan Johnson combined for three earned runs in 32 innings—the return of Kikuchi adds a veteran arm to evaluate during a pivotal late-season stretch. To clear roster space for Kikuchi, Los Angeles designated veteran reliever Michael Fulmer for assignment after briefly being added to the majors this week. The club hopes Kikuchi’s on-field readiness and experience can provide innings and depth as it assesses its rotation for the offseason, even as his health and performance remain under scrutiny.