Yusei Kikuchi (shoulder) was obliterated in a minor league rehab start at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday, giving up eight runs on seven hits over 4 2/3 innings.
The 35-year-old southpaw struck out eight batters in the contest while issuing a pair of walks. Seven of those eight runs came during the first inning, after which he settled in nicely. He threw 80 pitches (56 strikes) in the ballgame, so physically he’s probably ready to rejoin the Angels’ rotation over the weekend unless they want to see him have success in a minor league setting first.