What happened: The Los Angeles Angels celebrated pitcher Yusei Kikuchi's 35th birthday on Wednesday as the veteran continues his recovery from left shoulder inflammation. Kikuchi was transferred to the 60-day injured list in late May and has been sidelined since his last start on April 28.
Why it matters: Kikuchi’s return is critical for a rotation that has struggled during a 30-44 start to the season. While his 5.81 ERA before the injury was disappointing, advanced metrics suggest he was the victim of poor defensive luck, and his healthy presence is viewed as essential for the Angels' second-half stability.
By the numbers: Kikuchi recorded 32 strikeouts innings in seven starts before the injury. The Angels currently sit in fifth place in the AL West, trailing the division-leading Seattle Mariners by eight games.
What to watch: Kikuchi is scheduled to begin a formal throwing program this week with a goal of returning to the rotation by late July.