When will Yusei Kikuchi return?

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Yusei Kikuchi's rehab process has been a lengthy one and after getting knocked around in his most recent rehab start on Aug. 15 for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, his return to the Major Leagues is still somewhat in question.

Kikuchi, who has been out since April 29 with left shoulder inflammation, allowed eight runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out eight in his most recent start while allowing seven of his eight runs in the first inning. 

His runs allowed do raise some concerns and in his previous three rehab starts, two with Triple-A Salt Lake and one more in Rancho Cucamonga, he;s allowed a combined 16 runs, but in Aug. 15's start he did reach his physical milestones, including pitch count and innings pitched.

Hitting goals

"It's a rehab game, so I wanted to throw my heaters. They were sitting on my heaters, so I think the results came from that reason. I wanted to get up to the fifth inning and I was able to achieve that, so I'm satisfied for that point," Kikuchi said through a translator.

As of Sunday before the Angels' final game against the Kansas City Royals, Kikuchi and manager Kurt Suzuki hadn't yet had any conversations about the timeline for Kikuchi's return.

The most recent start in Rancho Cucamonga was meant to be his last start before returning to the Big League staff and Kikuchi's physical condition appears to be strong, but his performances in his rehab process may give the Angels cause to extend Kikuchi's rehab to at least one more start.

"I think a guy with his experience and how long he's been in the Big Leagues, I think you just want him to feel good," Suzuki said before Sunday's game. "I think when you put him in in a Major League game, when the lights are on there, it's a different story... The main thing is he's feeling good, he's feeling strong and all those things that you want him to feel whenever you have a start."

The state of the rotation

Before hitting the Injured List, Kikuhi posted a 5.81 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in seven starts. The Angels rotation has relatively been on the rise as of late, with Reid Detmers and Walbert Ureña being particular standouts and George Klassen showing signs of progress.

Ryan Johnson and Grayson Rodriguez have struggled more often throughout the season, but both have also turned more dependable performances in their most recent starts. 

Kikuchi, who was an All-Star last season, stands out as the veteran of the existing Angels pitching core and the Angels would like him to be healthy and back to his old self sooner rather than later, but the way his rehab starts in the Minor Leagues have gone may delay that process, depending on how Kikuchi's conversations with the coaching staff go. 

If you ask Kikuchi himself, though, he feels like he's ready to make his return.

"I'm ready to come back to the Show," Kikuchi said through a translator. "My luggage is already packed, so I'm ready to go."