TEMPE, Ariz. — Yusei Kikuchi is getting a head start this season.
The Angels’ left-hander pitched to hitters during the Angels’ first official workout of the spring Wednesday, reaching that milestone about a week before the other pitchers.
After the 40-pitch session was over, Kikuchi said he was encouraged by how strong he felt.
“I have never thrown 97 (mph) in February before,” Kikuchi said, completing the interview in English. “I’m ready, obviously for the WBC, and the season as well.”
Kikuchi will pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, which begins March 4. That’s why his workouts are accelerated beyond what other pitchers are doing.
Kikuchi, 34, pitched eight seasons at the highest level in Japan and he’s pitched seven seasons in the major leagues. He had never pitched in the WBC, though.
“I’m so excited,” Kikuchi said. “This is the first time to be part of Team Japan. Our goal is to defend the championship.”
Japan won the title in 2023, with the tournament famously ending on Shohei Ohtani’s strikeout of then-Angels teammate Mike Trout.
While Kikuchi is eager to have a good showing for Japan, he said his “priority” is to pitch better for the Angels in 2026 than he did in 2025.
In the first year of a three-year, $63-million deal, Kikuchi was an All-Star, with a 3.99 ERA over 178⅓ innings in 33 starts. At times, though, he struggled with walks and high pitch counts that knocked him out of games early.
“I was never satisfied with my performance last year,” he said. “It’s hard to be the best pitcher in the world, but I want to try to be the healthiest pitcher in the world. I’m going to pitch 32, 33 games. That’s my goal.”
After his final start of 2025, Kikuchi caught many around the Angels off guard when he made a comment about the air conditioning not working in the weight room. The interview in which Kikuchi made the comments in Japanese was subsequently removed from his social media accounts.
Kikuchi declined to clarify the situation when asked about it Wednesday.
“Actually, I forgot about everything last year,” Kikuchi said. “I just want to focus on this season. What’s done is done.”
Kikuchi is not expected to continue doing interviews in English. Yusuke Oshima, the interpreter that Kikuchi used last season, came from Toronto, where he worked with Kikuchi during his three seasons with the Blue Jays. Oshima returned home to work with new Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto this season. Kikuchi’s new interpreter will join him with the Angels after Kikuchi returns from the WBC.
Right-hander Ben Joyce, who is coming off shoulder surgery, threw a bullpen session from the front slope of the mound. It was the first time he’s thrown off the mound in his rehab.
Joyce said it’s too soon to know if he’ll be ready for Opening Day.
“Arm feels really good,” Joyce said before the workout. “I’m excited with where we’re at.”
General manager Perry Minasian said they will be cautious with Joyce.
“I’d rather him miss two weeks than six months,” Minasian said. “We’re going to take our time with guys that need it, and kind of see where it goes. That’s why you need so many relievers.”
Right-hander Robert Stephenson said he learned over the winter that he had “some kind of thoracic outlet symptoms.” He said he had injections, but no surgery. He is expecting to throw off a mound later in the week.
“I’ll be a little bit behind everybody, but as far as I’m concerned, my goal is to break camp with the team,” Stephenson said. “I don’t see any reason why I can’t get into games by the end of spring.”
Right-hander Nick Sandlin, who is in camp on a minor-league deal, had arthroscopic surgery on his elbow in October. He said he is expecting to throw his first bullpen session over the weekend.
“I’m getting there,” Sandlin said when asked if he’s 100%.
Right-handers Grayson Rodriguez and Alek Manoah, who have each missed significant time because of injuries in the past two seasons, threw bullpen sessions Wednesday. They are without restrictions as camp opens.
The Angels are expected to have more to say about how Mike Trout will be used once he arrives in camp over the weekend, but the door seems to be still open to put him back in center field, as Minasian suggested at the Winter Meetings. …
The fact that the Angels have designated several players for assignment to open 40-man roster spots instead of releasing Anthony Rendon has made it clear that Rendon was required to remain on the roster as part of the restructuring of his deal. Minasian, however, would not elaborate when asked about it Wednesday. It won’t be an issue going forward. Now that teams can use the 60-day injured list, the Angels can move Rendon there the next time they need a spot on the 40-man roster. The $38 million Rendon is owed in the final year of his seven-year deal will be split over the next five years, and Rendon will not play again. …
Left-hander Reid Detmers said he had “no hurt feelings or anything” after going through an arbitration hearing to determine his salary. Detmers filed for $2.925 million and the Angels offered $2.625 million, with the panel of arbitrators ultimately siding with the Angels. …
Left-hander Sammy Natera Jr. has been delayed arriving in camp because of visa issues leaving Mexico. …
Right-hander Kaleb Ort is not in camp because he and his wife were expecting a baby. …
Right-hander Caden Dana missed the first workout because of the flu…
Minasian said right-hander Sam Bachman still could wind up as either a starter or reliever. “We’re going to see how spring goes,” Minasian said. …
Although there are some established starting pitchers left on the free agent market, it doesn’t seem the Angels are heavily involved in the bidding. “We’ll always look to improve the club,” Minasian said. “With that being said, we like what we have.” …
Outfielder José Siri has a jersey hanging in the Angels’ clubhouse, even though he hadn’t yet taken the physical to make his minor-league deal official. …
The reported minor-league deal with right-hander Miguel Castro fell through, so he will not be in camp.
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