Kikuchi gave up one run on four hits and a walk over 3.2 innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates. He struck out five.
Roberto Perez took him deep for a solo shot in the fourth inning, but prior to that Kikuchi was looking sharp. He worked his way up to 71 pitches (44 strikes) and appears just about ready for Opening Day as he gets ready to handle No. 5 starter duties for the Blue Jays, but the southpaw's spring has been a microcosm of his big-league performance to date. Kikuchi has an 11:4 K:BB through 8.1 innings but has also served up four homers.