Yusei Kikuchi will begin a rehab assignment on Thursday with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

EDGE Analysis

Kikuchi will throw three innings in his first rehab start. He believes he'll be ready to return after three rehab starts.

Angels left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (shoulder) is close to embarking on a rehab assignment.

EDGE Analysis

Kikuchi threw a 34-pitch live batting practice session on July 21 and will throw one more live BP before heading out on a rehab assignment. The veteran has been on the injured list since May 3 with left shoulder inflammation and posted a 5.81 ERA in seven starts prior to hitting the shelf.

Kikuchi (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Sunday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kikuchi has been sidelined since late April due to left shoulder inflammation, which led to him being transferred to the 60-day injured list May 22. He was cleared to resume throwing in late June and has taken the next step in his recovery by tossing his first bullpen session since the injury. Barring any setbacks, Kikuchi will likely return to the Angels' rotation following the All-Star break, though a clearer timeline will be established once he's given the green light to embark on a rehab assignment.

Kikuchi (shoulder) has begun a throwing program, per MLB.com.

EDGE Analysis

Kikuchi has so far been limited to playing catch, but that's tangible progress as he looks to work his way back from left shoulder inflammation. If the veteran hurler moves forward without any setbacks, he could rejoin the Angels' rotation right after the All-Star break. Kikuchi posted a rough 5.81 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 33:14 K:BB over 31 innings spanning seven starts before landing on the injured list in early May.

Kikuchi (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a throwing program in mid-June, per MLB.com.

EDGE Analysis

Kikuchi is dealing with left shoulder inflammation and hasn't thrown since making an early exit from his last start April 29. Given the length of his absence, the southpaw will likely need several weeks to ramp up once he begins a throwing program. The expectation is that Kikuchi will be sidelined through the All-Star break, though he could return shortly thereafter.

The Angels transferred Kikuchi (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Kikuchi is expected to miss multiple months after initially landing on the injured list May 3 with shoulder inflammation, so moving to the 60-day IL doesn't affect his return timeline. It does, however, free up a spot on the 40-man roster, helping to make room for Donovan Walton and Wade Meckler.

Kikuchi (shoulder) said Wednesday that he's slated to begin a throwing program soon and expressed hope that he'll be able to return to the Angels early in the second half of the season, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kikuchi has been shut down from throwing since he landed on the 15-day IL due to left shoulder inflammation May 3. The veteran lefty explained through an interpreter Wednesday that surgery was never on the table and that "the damage wasn't major." Kikuchi also stated that he's been doing shoulder strengthening exercises and is preparing to be cleared to play catch. He's almost certain to need a lengthy buildup and a substantial minor-league rehab assignment, though he expressed confidence that he'll be able to be back in the Angels' rotation before the end of July.

Kikuchi (shoulder) will be shut down from throwing for 3-to-4 weeks, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fact that the 34-year-old southpaw doesn't seem to need surgery makes it more likely that he returns before the end of the season, but it could still be a while before he appears on a big-league mound. The Angels plan to build Kikuchi up as a starter once he's cleared to begin a throwing program, and they may have a better picture of his return timeline once he progresses to that point.

Kikuchi (shoulder) could be sidelined for "several months, if not the whole season," Mike DiGiovanna of the "Halo Territory" podcast reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kikuchi was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with left shoulder inflammation, but his MRI is still being evaluated, and DiGiovanna is hearing the southpaw may be tending to a long-term injury. The Angels should offer more clarity on Kikuchi's timetable later this week. Sam Aldegheri was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake and will start Tuesday against the White Sox in Kikuchi's place.

The Angels placed Kikuchi on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to left shoulder inflammation.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander departed his most recent start Wednesday against the White Sox due to shoulder tightness, and he'll spend at least the next couple weeks on the shelf due to the injury. According to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, Kikuchi's MRI is still being evaluated, so it's possible his diagnosis is updated in the near future. It's been a rough start to the season even prior to the injury, with the 34-year-old carrying a 5.81 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 33:14 K:BB over 31 innings.