UPDATE: After the game, Kikuchi said that he was fine. Removal from the game was only precautionary, as he was likely done for the day soon with a pitch count of 97.
Yusei Kikuchi left Sunday’s game against the Dodgers after suffering an ankle injury in the bottom of the sixth. It was a scary play for Kikuchi, who left the mound to cover first base.
Tommy Edman hit a chopper to the first baseman, so Kikuchi covered the bag. Kikuchi and Edman collided at first, which resulted in Kikuchi’s injury.
Yusei Kikuchi is coming out of the game after this play at first base. It was also overturned to an out. pic.twitter.com/c0TeIB6GT8
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) May 18, 2025
Covering first base is difficult for a pitcher, especially when it’s a tight play. There have been a number of injuries like this in MLB history.
The Angels officially reported the injury as right ankle irritation. If that’s all, it seems Kikuchi may have avoided a serious injured list stint.
Kikuchi left the game after that play, which was initially called safe but overturned after review. He pitched 5.2 innings, struck out seven and allowed one earned run, three hits and four walks.
Check back to DraftKings Network for more updates as they come along.