Kikuchi’s performance gets Blue Jays back on track versus Royals

Yusei Kikuchi fired five solid innings as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Tuesday, stabilizing a starting rotation that had stumbled out of the gate to open the season.

Kikuchi gave up one earned run, a solo shot to Franmil Reyes, which was his only blemish on the night. He scattered three hits, walked one and struck out two batters. The southpaw threw 47 of his 69 pitches for strikes with plenty of velocity on his fastball, which averaged 97.8 mph, coupled with a dangerous slider that generated six whiffs.

“Really quality strikes and generated weak contact, minus the homer. That was the key, and that’s what we have been saying the last couple of days with our starters. Not just throwing strikes, but quality strikes,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said.

Many anticipated Kikuchi’s first start of the season after he dominated throughout the spring when he looked like a different pitcher, striking out 31 batters across 20 2/3 innings in preparation for the new campaign. After signing a three-year, $36 million deal with the Blue Jays the previous offseason, the 31-year-old struggled mightily last year, eventually losing his place in the starting rotation.

It was a much-needed performance for Kikuchi and the Blue Jays after Jose Berrios’ poor outing in which he surrendered nine hits and eight earned runs in a 9-4 loss to the Royals on Monday night. Chris Bassitt was also clobbered for 10 hits and nine earned runs against the St. Louis Cardinals in his first regular-season start in a Jays uniform.

Chapman stays hot, Varsho dazzles 

Matt Chapman continued his impressive start to the season with three hits, including an RBI. The soon-to-be 30-year-old infielder has focused on going to the opposite field as a hitter, and so far, it’s worked out. All three of Chapman’s hits were scorched off the bat and among the game’s top five hardest-hit balls with exit velocities above 106 mph.

Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho, meanwhile, showed off his unique skillset both defensively and at the plate.

The 26-year-old got an outfield assist after gunning down Matt Duffy at home plate thanks to a terrific throw from left field. He then hit his first home run as a Blue Jay, going to the opposite field. He capped it off with a bunt single, which is part of his game after dropping down 15 bunts last season in Arizona.

Daulton does it ALL!

There's @DaultonVarsho25's first as a Blue Jay ???? pic.twitter.com/sEkd0a6U73

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 5, 2023

Varsho was acquired in the offseason from the Diamondbacks for top-catching prospect Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Toronto relievers also impressed on Tuesday, firing scoreless frames across the board. Lefty Tim Mayza, in particular, stood out with four strikeouts and no hits or walks allowed. Canadian Jordan Romano pitched the ninth, picking up his second save of the year.

Alek Manoah is slated to make his second start of the season on Wednesday in Kansas City. He will face off against veteran Zack Greinke.