Composed Kikuchi in attack mode for Blue Jays as spring momentum builds

Baseball

Published 01.03.2023

Composed Kikuchi in attack mode for Blue Jays as spring momentum builds

SARASOTA, Fla. – If Yusei Kikuchi’s spring debut was a bit shocking, his encore Tuesday was quietly encouraging.

Facing the Orioles on three days’ relaxation, the left-hander pitched two hitless innings whereas persistently attacking the zone on his option to two strikeouts. Aside from a four-pitch stroll to Ramon Urías that opened the second inning, he executed his plan of difficult opposing hitters with stuff that’s indisputably energetic.

From the mound, Kikuchi might inform the reactions had been completely different from the Orioles, a workforce he confronted six instances final 12 months.

“I was able to attack the zone pretty well,” Kikuchi mentioned via interpreter Keito Ebino after a 2-1 Toronto win that got here inside two outs of being a Grapefruit League no-hitter. “That was the main focus in the off-season and what I’ve been doing all season so far. Being able to have that two outings in a row just makes me really comfortable.”

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After the four-pitch stroll, supervisor John Schneider and pitching coach Pete Walker exchanged a glance within the Blue Jays’ third-base dugout. In 2022, Kikuchi would typically spiral in moments like this. How would he reply this time?

“Pete and I were talking about that after the walk,” Schneider recalled. “What’s he going to do? Then right back and (there’s) strike one. Got right back into rhythm. He’s in a good spot. He’s confident.”

Outings like this make Kikuchi the clear frontrunner for the Blue Jays’ fifth beginning job, not solely due to the outcomes however as a result of he’s repeating his supply extra persistently. Whether that’s as a result of pitch clock, adjustments in his personal psychological method or some mixture thereof, the end result for the Blue Jays is right: he’s now not overthinking his mechanics.

“That’s just not happening this year,” he mentioned. “Everything is clear and I’m just more comfortable on the mound.”

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Timelines in place for star debuts

After lacking the early levels of spring coaching to be current for the start of his first youngster, Alejandro Kirk is anticipated in Blue Jays camp Thursday. Since the 24-year-old catcher gained’t be enjoying within the World Baseball Classic, his consideration can shift totally to the Blue Jays with 4 weeks remaining earlier than opening day.

“Happy we could do that for him,” Schneider mentioned. “He’s in a good spot. It’ll just be a little bit of a slower or quicker ramp-up, depending on how you want to look at it.”

Kirk has been catching high-velocity pitching machines and throwing to bases throughout his exercises in California, so he’s not ranging from scratch. Next up, he’ll catch some pitchers on backfields and face reside pitching earlier than making his spring coaching debut. If all goes effectively, he could possibly be in video games by early subsequent week – perhaps sooner.

“It shouldn’t be too terribly long,” Schneider mentioned.

Meanwhile, Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman are slated to make their spring coaching debuts Thursday and Friday, respectively.

As for fellow starter Chris Bassitt, he debuted Tuesday with two innings towards the Detroit Tigers. A veteran of eight big-league seasons, he’s content material to construct up slowly, understanding that his most necessary video games are weeks if not months away.

“I’ve been through this enough where I know how long the season is,” Bassitt mentioned. “If I’m absolutely full bore right now, I don’t know how good I’m going to be come October.”

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Rookies contributions welcome

Late February is way too early to attract sweeping conclusions about gamers, however the early returns have been encouraging from younger pitchers like Ricky Tiedemann, Bowden Francis, Hayden Juenger and Sem Robberse.

Though none are favoured to interrupt camp with the workforce, all have intriguing stuff. And even setting the radar gun apart the Blue Jays hope to create a welcoming atmosphere for the younger gamers pushing towards the big-league roster.

“Gone are the days of, you know, making him do this or that or carry this or that,” Schneider mentioned. “When you do arrive, whether it’s camp or season, you’re here for a reason. We know about you, we’re familiar with you. And if they can kind of feel that when they do arrive, I think the best version of them comes out.”