Seattle Mariners: Yusei Kikuchi and the great pine tar theory

Yusei Kikuchi has pitched a lot better for the Seattle Mariners of late. The reason for that could be under the brim of his hat.

On Wednesday, Yusei Kikuchi was set to face one of the toughest opponents of his major league career. The Seattle Mariners were in the Bronx to face the New York Yankees, a team that has continued to win despite the many losses to their major league roster. Kikuchi made easy work of the Yankees lineup, allowing just one run on three hits and a walk, striking out three over his 7.2 innings of work.

As impressive as that outing was, it may be somewhat tainted. Screenshots from the Yankees broadcast show a substance under the brim of Kikuchi’s hat that is thought to be pine tar.

Kikuchi had a rough start to his major league career. Over his first six starts, spanning 32.2 innings, he had posted a 4.68 ERA and a 1.316 WHiP. He struck out 23 batters while allowing only eight walks, but also surrendered five home runs. While there was expected to be an adjustment period, the Mariners had to expect more from Kikuchi.

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However, over his last three outings, including his stint as an Opener, Kikuchi has been much better. He has allowed only two runs in his 15.2 innings on just six hits and two walks while striking out 15 batters. This is the pitcher that the Mariners were expecting – a strong top of the rotation arm that can shut down the opposition.

Yet one has to wonder whether or not that success has come courtesy of any outside help. The balls may well be juiced, even if the league does not want to admit as such, but there is little available to help pitchers counteract that. The rosin bag is nice, but it is not quite enough. Nonetheless, using pine tar is considered cheating.

This will make Kikuchi’s next start all the more fascinating to watch. He was going to his hat on virtually every pitch last night, which could be a part of why he has found success as of late. If that is truly the case, then one will have to assume that Kikuchi will be closely watched by the umpires in his next outing.

Seattle Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi shut down the New York Yankees on Wednesday. It turns out that he may have had some help.