SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 07: Yusei Kikuchi #18 of the Seattle Mariners pitches during the first inning against the New York Yankees at T-Mobile Park on July 07, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
In the days leading up to the all-star game, Yusei Kikuchi was placed on the IL. As the Mariners lone all-star selection, many were worried about what was going on with the team’s star pitcher.
It came out that he was exposed to someone with Covid, and it was a precautionary measure that was taken. He was tested and received negative results, which led to everyone thinking Kikuchi would be good to go for the all-star game to represent the Mariners.