Kikuchi replaced on All-Star roster

By Daniel Kramer | July 12, 2021

SEATTLE -- Yusei Kikuchi has been replaced on the American League roster for Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Coors Field.

The Japanese left-hander pulled out along with Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, with the two being replaced by the Rays’ Andrew Kittredge and the Twins’ Taylor Rogers.

• MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. on FOX

Kikuchi is in Denver taking part of the festivities after being activated from the COVID-19 injured list on Monday following an issue over the weekend. He is fully vaccinated and twice tested negative in order to attend the Midsummer Classic.

• Kikuchi driven by fatherhood, 'soft heart'

This marked the first MLB All-Star selection for Kikuchi, who was a three-time selection in Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. He is Seattle’s lone representative in 2021 after going 6-4 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 starts during the first half.

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