Angels place lefty Yusei Kikuchi on injured list with shoulder inflammation

The Los Angeles Angels have placed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation. Kikuchi, 34, experienced shoulder tightness during a game against the Chicago White Sox and underwent an MRI, with further results pending. General Manager Perry Minasian stated that Kikuchi is being monitored for his shoulder condition. Kikuchi, an All-Star last season, has been adjusting his pitching technique this year, resulting in a 0-3 record with a 5.81 ERA over seven starts. In his career, he has played for several teams, including the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays, with a 48-61 record and a 4.50 ERA. To fill the gap, the Angels have called up Tayler Saucedo from Triple-A Salt Lake. Saucedo, 32, has a 5-2 record with a 4.36 ERA over 148 relief appearances in his career. QUESTION: How might the absence of a key player like Yusei Kikuchi impact the team’s performance and morale?