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Moving Yusei Kikuchi to bullpen was Blue Jays’ only sensible option

Sometimes things just don’t go according to plan, and that’s been the case for Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Yusei Kikuchi as he’s struggled to find his footing all season long.

After the Blue Jays signed Kikuchi to a three-year, $36-million contract last winter, they hoped he could serve as a quality member of their starting rotation. The opposite has transpired thus far.

The 31-year-old has faltered to a miserable 5.25 ERA across 20 starts with the Blue Jays, making him a liability to their playoff chances. He’s already lost seven of his 20 outings and has consistently forced his team to play catch-up early on.