Yusei Kikuchi's second-half fade with Mariners a result of fatigue, agent Scott Boras says

Japanese professional baseball pitcher Yusei Kikuchi attends a press conference to announce his joining to Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB) with his agent Scott Boras in Seattle City, State of

Newly signed Seattle Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (L) attends his introductory press conference with his agent Scott Boras at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, United States, January 3, 2019. Credit: AFLO/Alamy Live

Newly signed Seattle Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (L) attends his introductory press conference with his agent Scott Boras at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, United States, January 3, 2019. Credit: AFLO/Alamy Live

Yusei Kikuchi declines option, enters free agency

Patrick Corbin I'm Not A Headline Guy

181: Baby It's Cold Outside

181: Baby It's Cold Outside

Newly signed Seattle Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (L) attends his introductory press conference with his agent Scott Boras at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, United States, January 3, 2019. Credit: AFLO/Alamy Live

181: Baby It's Cold Outside

181: Baby It's Cold Outside

Mariners have pitching plan for Yusei Kikuchi

Newly signed Seattle Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (L) attends his introductory press conference with his agent Scott Boras at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, United States, January 3, 2019. Credit: AFLO/Alamy Live

Patrick Corbin I'm Not A Headline Guy

Newly signed Seattle Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (L) attends his introductory press conference with his agent Scott Boras at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, United States, January 3, 2019. Credit: AFLO/Alamy Live

Patrick Corbin I'm Not A Headline Guy