:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/bluejays/opinion/2023/04/04/blue-jays-yusei-kikuchi-has-something-to-prove-for-real/kikuchia16.jpg)
Yusei Kikuchi's recent slider tweak has us putting our chips on the over for his pitching strikeouts in tonight's game against Kansas City.
Baseball fans, get ready for a possible strikeout bonanza tonight as Yusei Kikuchi takes the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Kansas City Royals. With a line of 4.5 pitching strikeouts, we're here to tell you why riding the over is the move to make.
First, let's take a look at some numbers. Last season, Kikuchi is averaging 3.88 pitching strikeouts per game, with 4.8 at home and 3.06 on the road. While those stats might not scream "strikeout master," it's important to keep in mind the recent developments in Kikuchi's game. Throughout spring training, the veteran pitcher has been working on tweaking his slider, and the results have been pretty impressive.
During the tune-up period, Kikuchi recorded a 0.87 ERA over 20.2 innings of work and led all pitchers with 31 strikeouts. Now, we know what you're thinking: "spring training stats don't always translate to regular-season success." While that may be true, it's hard to ignore Kikuchi's performance and the potential impact of his slider adjustment on his strikeout numbers.
Sure, Kikuchi has had more than 4.5 pitching strikeouts in just 13 games this season, compared to 19 games with less than 4.5. However, when we look at his recent trend, there's reason to believe that he could surpass that 4.5 mark tonight. Over the last 20 games, Kikuchi is averaging 3.4 pitching strikeouts, with more than 4.5 strikeouts in 8 of those games. In the last 10 games, he's averaging 3.0 strikeouts and has had more than 4.5 in 3 games.
Although Kikuchi's numbers seem to be trending down over the last 5 games, with an average of 2.8 strikeouts and only 1 game with more than 4.5, we believe that his slider tweak could be the key to turning those numbers around. With his newfound weapon, Kikuchi has the potential to keep opposing batters guessing and increase his strikeout count.
It's also essential to consider the matchup against the Royals. In his only game against Kansas City last season, Kikuchi recorded just 2.0 strikeouts. However, with the element of surprise on his side, thanks to his slider adjustment, Kikuchi could catch the Royals off guard and rack up the strikeouts in their second meeting.
Toronto's starting pitching has been lackluster so far this season, but Kikuchi's potential upside makes him an intriguing play in tonight's game. The 31-year-old has demonstrated his strikeout ability in the past, with an 11.1 K/9 in his 32 appearances in 2022. If he can harness the power of his improved slider, there's a good chance we'll see those strikeout numbers climb.
Finally, let's not forget the soft matchup that Kikuchi faces tonight. The Royals aren't exactly known for their offensive prowess, and with the Blue Jays boasting the highest implied total on the slate, it's clear that the odds are in Kikuchi's favor. If the Jays can put up some runs and give Kikuchi a comfortable lead, he'll have the opportunity to attack the strike zone and rack up the strikeouts.
So, there you have it, folks. With a revamped slider in his arsenal and a favorable matchup against the Royals, Yusei Kikuchi has the potential to exceed the 4.5 strikeout line tonight. While nothing's ever a sure thing in baseball, we're willing to take a chance on Kikuchi's strikeout potential and ride the over on 4.5 strikeouts.
Yusei Kikuchi's recent slider tweak has us putting our chips on the over for his pitching strikeouts in tonight's game against Kansas City.
Baseball fans, get ready for a possible strikeout bonanza tonight as Yusei Kikuchi takes the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Kansas City Royals. With a line of 4.5 pitching strikeouts, we're here to tell you why riding the over is the move to make.
First, let's take a look at some numbers. Last season, Kikuchi is averaging 3.88 pitching strikeouts per game, with 4.8 at home and 3.06 on the road. While those stats might not scream "strikeout master," it's important to keep in mind the recent developments in Kikuchi's game. Throughout spring training, the veteran pitcher has been working on tweaking his slider, and the results have been pretty impressive.
During the tune-up period, Kikuchi recorded a 0.87 ERA over 20.2 innings of work and led all pitchers with 31 strikeouts. Now, we know what you're thinking: "spring training stats don't always translate to regular-season success." While that may be true, it's hard to ignore Kikuchi's performance and the potential impact of his slider adjustment on his strikeout numbers.
Sure, Kikuchi has had more than 4.5 pitching strikeouts in just 13 games this season, compared to 19 games with less than 4.5. However, when we look at his recent trend, there's reason to believe that he could surpass that 4.5 mark tonight. Over the last 20 games, Kikuchi is averaging 3.4 pitching strikeouts, with more than 4.5 strikeouts in 8 of those games. In the last 10 games, he's averaging 3.0 strikeouts and has had more than 4.5 in 3 games.
Although Kikuchi's numbers seem to be trending down over the last 5 games, with an average of 2.8 strikeouts and only 1 game with more than 4.5, we believe that his slider tweak could be the key to turning those numbers around. With his newfound weapon, Kikuchi has the potential to keep opposing batters guessing and increase his strikeout count.
It's also essential to consider the matchup against the Royals. In his only game against Kansas City last season, Kikuchi recorded just 2.0 strikeouts. However, with the element of surprise on his side, thanks to his slider adjustment, Kikuchi could catch the Royals off guard and rack up the strikeouts in their second meeting.
Toronto's starting pitching has been lackluster so far this season, but Kikuchi's potential upside makes him an intriguing play in tonight's game. The 31-year-old has demonstrated his strikeout ability in the past, with an 11.1 K/9 in his 32 appearances in 2022. If he can harness the power of his improved slider, there's a good chance we'll see those strikeout numbers climb.
Finally, let's not forget the soft matchup that Kikuchi faces tonight. The Royals aren't exactly known for their offensive prowess, and with the Blue Jays boasting the highest implied total on the slate, it's clear that the odds are in Kikuchi's favor. If the Jays can put up some runs and give Kikuchi a comfortable lead, he'll have the opportunity to attack the strike zone and rack up the strikeouts.
So, there you have it, folks. With a revamped slider in his arsenal and a favorable matchup against the Royals, Yusei Kikuchi has the potential to exceed the 4.5 strikeout line tonight. While nothing's ever a sure thing in baseball, we're willing to take a chance on Kikuchi's strikeout potential and ride the over on 4.5 strikeouts.
I’m more than just an adorable Robot.
Unleash my AI mind and win!