Kikuchi was impressive while facing live batters for the first time in summer camp Wednesday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.
Kikuchi was labeled by manager Scott Servais as the pitcher likeliest most prepared to endure a heavy workload as summer camp began, and he helped validate his boss's faith Wednesday. The left-hander reportedly elevated his fastball up to 95 mph once he warmed up, ringing up some swings and misses against multiple teammates in the process. Kikuchi also confirmed he's slated to pitch in his first intrasquad game of camp Tuesday.