M's Kikuchi placed on IL, may still head to All-Star Game
SEATTLE (AP) - All-Star pitcher Yusei Kikuchi of the Seattle Mariners was placed on the injured list on Sunday.
However, it's possible that he could still participate in the upcoming All-Star Game festivities in Denver.
Manager Scott Servais said he couldn´t comment on Kikuchi´s status "for a number of different reasons," but that he was "not that concerned with where´s he´s at."
"I still think he´s planning on heading over to the All-Star Game," Servais said.
No other details were available about the pitcher´s status.
The Mariners promoted promising catching prospect Cal Raleigh to take his place in the lineup. Raleigh will make his debut later Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels. He´ll catch a bullpen day from the Mariners staff.
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi throws to a New York Yankees batter during the second inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Kikuchi has been one of the top left-handers in baseball this season, his third since signing with the Mariners and moving over to the major leagues from Japan. He´s 6-4 with a 3.48 ERA and 98 strikeouts.
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Seattle Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, who has been selected to the American League All-Star team, blows a bubble as he watches from the dugout during the Mariners' baseball game against the New York Yankees, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
