Seattle Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi placed on injured list, may still participate in All-Star Game

SEATTLE – Seattle Mariners all-star pitcher Yusei Kikuchi was put on the injured list on Sunday.

However, it is possible that he could still attend the upcoming Denver All-Star Game celebrations.

Manager Scott Servais said he couldn’t comment on Kikuchi’s status “for various reasons” but was “not so concerned about where he stands”.

“I still think he plans to go to the All-Star Game,” said Servais.

No further details were known about the pitcher’s status.

The Mariners sponsored promising catch candidate Cal Raleigh to take his place on the lineup. Raleigh will make his debut against the Los Angeles Angels later on Sunday. He’s going to get a bullpen tag from the Mariners staff.

Kikuchi has been one of the best left-handers in baseball that season, his third since joining the Mariners and moving from Japan to the Major League. He is 6-4 with a 3.48 ERA and 98 strikeouts.