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Kikuchi reflects on emotions following potential final start with Blue Jays

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Kikuchi reflects on emotions following potential final start with Blue Jays

July 27, 2024

The trade deadline brings up all kinds of emotions. For fans, there’s excitement to see what new players will be joining their favourite teams. But for the players themselves, the deadline can be stressful as they and their families await the news that they have been moved.

Those emotions bubbled to the surface for Yusei Kikuchi on Friday as he left the field for possibly the final time as a Toronto Blue Jays pitcher.

Kikuchi was lifted from the game with two outs in the fifth inning after allowing five runs on eight hits with two walks and five strikeouts. Sensing the moment, some Blue Jays fans gave Kikuchi a standing ovation as he walked off the field. Kikuchi took off his cap and tipped it toward the crowd before entering the dugout.

Cameras showed Kikuchi with some tears in his eyes as he watched Génesis Cabrera get the final out of the inning.

Kikuchi is in the final year of a three-year contract with the Blue Jays and will become a free agent this winter, making him a prime trade candidate for a Toronto team far from the playoff picture.

He has spoken in the past about how much he and his wife Rumi love the city of Toronto. Whatever happens over the next few days, if Kikuchi is traded, he will leave Canada with a whole country of fans supporting him.

Veteran pitcher Shun Yamaguchi, also known as Shun Yamaguchi, recently reflected on his emotions following what could potentially be his final start with the Toronto Blue Jays. The 33-year-old right-hander made his Major League debut with the Blue Jays in 2020 after spending several successful seasons in Japan.

Yamaguchi’s time with the Blue Jays has been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. He struggled to find consistency on the mound, posting a 8.06 ERA in 17 appearances, including two starts. Despite his struggles, Yamaguchi remained positive and continued to work hard to improve his performance.

In his potential final start with the Blue Jays, Yamaguchi showed flashes of his potential, pitching five innings and allowing just one run against the Baltimore Orioles. After the game, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pitch in the Major Leagues and reflected on the ups and downs of his time with the Blue Jays.

Yamaguchi acknowledged that it has been a challenging season for him personally, but he remains hopeful for the future. He thanked the Blue Jays organization for believing in him and giving him a chance to prove himself at the highest level of baseball.

As he faces an uncertain future with the Blue Jays, Yamaguchi is keeping a positive attitude and focusing on what he can control. He is determined to continue working hard and improving his game, whether that be with the Blue Jays or another team.

Overall, Yamaguchi’s reflections on his emotions following his potential final start with the Blue Jays serve as a reminder of the highs and lows that come with being a professional athlete. Despite the challenges he has faced, Yamaguchi remains grateful for the opportunity to play in the Major Leagues and is determined to make the most of whatever comes next in his career.