The Astros traded for left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. In return, the Blue Jays received 23-year-old right-hander Jake Bloss, rookie outfielder Joey Loperfido, and minor league first baseman Will Wagner.
The 33-year-old Kikuchi has a 4-9 record and a 4.75 ERA in 22 starts this season, with 130 strikeouts and 30 walks over 115 2/3 innings. He has struggled recently, going 0-4 with a 7.75 ERA in his last eight starts since his win against Milwaukee on June 11.
In his six seasons with Seattle and Toronto, Kikuchi has a career record of 35-46 with a 4.72 ERA. He is in the final year of a $36 million, three-year contract, with a salary of $10 million, and he can become a free agent after the World Series.
“His stuff has always been really good,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “I’m excited to get him with our pitching department so we can make some adjustments to how he pitches, how he can be more efficient, but the stuff is really good.”
Kikuchi will join the Astros’ rotation, which already includes Ronel Blanco, Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez, and Spencer Arrighetti.
Houston’s rotation is currently missing Justin Verlander (neck stiffness), Cristian Javier, and José Urquidy (both undergoing Tommy John surgery).
Toronto manager John Schneider said it was hard to say goodbye to Kikuchi and Justin Turner, who was also traded to the Mariners in a separate deal.
“We wish him and (Turner) the best,” Schneider said. “I know they’re two American League teams, but you look at the people over the player, and they’re two of the most well-respected players in the big leagues.”
Bloss was pulled from his scheduled start against Pittsburgh on Monday.
