Seattle P Kikuchi exits after taking ball off proper knee

June 6, 2021Updated June 6, 2021 12:25 AM

1of5Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, center, is helped off the field after being hit by a ball taken off the Los Blancos by David Fletcher during the fifth innings of a baseball game on Saturday, June 5, 2021 in Anaheim, Calif Angeles Angels.Ashley Landis / APshow moreShow less

2of5Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, 18, reacts after scoring during the fifth innings of a baseball game on Saturday, Jan.Ashley Landis / APshow moreShow less3rdof5

4thof5Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (18) throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday June 5, 2021 in Anaheim, California.Ashley Landis / APshow moreShow less5of5

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – Seattle Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi picked up a sharp ground ball off his right knee and left Saturday night’s game against the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning.

The Japanese left-hander fell to the ground after being hit by a comebacker hit from David Fletcher.

Kikuchi doubled over in pain as catcher José Godoy tried to knock Fletcher out first and tossed it into right field, allowing Taylor Ward to score first.

Kikuchi left the game after receiving support from coaches and the Mariners’ coaching staff. The Mariners said the injury was a bruise to the right knee.

Kikuchi, who came into the game with a 3-3 record, played well. He had eight strikeouts and allowed two runs, both on home runs, through the first four innings.

It would be another blow to the Mariners if Kikuchi had to get on the injured list. Already this week right-handed Justin Dunn went on with a right shoulder infection and shortstop Kyle Lewis, last season’s AL rookie of the year, is expected to be sidelined due to a torn meniscus in his right knee.

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