Newly-minted Seattle Mariners left-hander Yusei Kikuchi returned to Japan on Sunday after completing his move to the major leagues this past week, expressing excitement as he begins preparing for the next step in his career.
Speaking to reporters at Narita airport outside Tokyo, Kikuchi, one of Japan's top pitchers the past two seasons, indicated that his track record was meaningless after signing the major league deal.
"I'm starting all over again from scratch," he said. "Because of that, I want to make a good impression, earn a spot in the starting rotation and perform at a high level throughout the season.