The Seattle Times · Apr 24, 2019
Mariners announce Yusei Kikuchi will have an abbreviated start on Friday
SAN DIEGO — After some speculation for the past few days and the obvious hint of Justus Sheffield’s most recent outing for Class AAA Tacoma, the Mariners announced that rookie left-hander Yusei Kikuchi will make an abbreviated start on Friday night vs. the Rangers at T-Mobile Park.
As part of their strategy to control Kikuchi’s usage and innings total this season while keeping him healthy, the Mariners have implemented a plan to where he will make an abbreviated start approximately once a month or once every five to six starts. It’s something they do with their young starters in the minor leagues.