Angels receive great Yusei Kikuchi news before Rangers game

The Los Angeles Angels will have one of their top starting pitchers back in the rotation on Sunday. 

According to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, left-hander Yusei Kikuchi will come off the 60-day IL and start today's game against the Texas Rangers. 

Kikuchi, 35, landed on the injured list with left shoulder inflammation after a start against the Chicago White Sox on April 29. 

The two-time All-Star signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Angels before the 2025 season. 

Last year's campaign was a solid one for Kikuchi. He posted a 3.99 ERA and nearly struck out nine batters per nine innings. However, he allowed an American League-high 180 hits in 178.1 innings. 

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Before Kikuchi's injury, opposing hitters were batting .352 against him on balls in play. That's way above the MLB average of .289, indicating that the left-hander may have been a tad unlucky. 

The Angels aren't in the postseason race but could play spoiler down the stretch of the regular season. 

Kikuchi could help the AL West club be slightly more competitive. 

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