Brian McTaggart: Yusei Kikuchi Has 'Changed The Ascent' Of The Astros, Remaining Undefeated When Starting For Houston

The Matt Thomas Show

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show following Thursday's 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Yusei Kikuchi started on the mound, allowing one run on five hits while striking out nine batters in six innings. After acquiring the veteran left-hander prior to the MLB trade deadline, the Astros have been 9-0 in games that Kikuchi has started. "They paid a really high price," but "he sort of changed the ascent of this team," McTaggart said. Kikuchi has cemented himself in the top three of the Astros pitching rotation as the postseason approaches. Justin Verlander, who has struggled as of late, has a chance to "reestablish himself" Friday against the Angels. McTaggart also discusses the Astros beginning to rest players sitting at five games ahead of the Seattle Mariners to lead the AL West and the picture for the rest of the regular season as the Wild Card round approaches.