Here are the biggest factors that helped Yusei Kikuchi ascend to another level with Astros

Here are the biggest factors that helped Yusei Kikuchi ascend to another level with Astros
Yusei Kikuchi has been lights out for the Astros. Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.

When the Astros traded for Yusei Kikuchi at the trade deadline, most analysts believed Houston was adding to their overall starting pitching depth. Not trading for a difference-maker in the rotation.

Fortunately for the Astros, they saw something that nobody else did. Not only has a change of scenery helped Kikuchi elevate his game, but also the changes he's made to his pitch mix.

You can see in the graphic below that Kikuchi was asked by the Astros to throw less curveballs and fastballs, and throw significantly more sliders. And it's made all the difference in the world.

Photo via: MLB Network/YouTube screenshot.

The Astros certainly deserve credit for knowing how to get the most out of pitchers. And you have to wonder what Blue Jays fans are thinking when they see one of their players leave Toronto and start pitching like a Cy Young candidate over his next ten starts.

Be sure to watch the below below as MLB Network's Chris Young, along with Harold Reynolds and Greg Amsinger, analyzes the adjustments Yusei Kikuchi has made to his pitch usage since joining the Astros, which has resulted in remarkable production.

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How Texans offense can seize advantages, unlock potential versus desperate Jaguars

CJ Stroud and Trevor Lawrence square off this weekend. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Texans host the Jaguars this Sunday, with CJ Stroud and company looking to get back on track after getting pounded by the Vikings last week.

The Jaguars also come into this matchup hungry for a win, having started the season 0-3.

On defense, the Texans will need better production from their interior defensive linemen this week. Houston's defensive tackles rank second to last in the league this year according to PFF, and HC DeMeco Ryans made a point of saying he wants to see some improvement from that group.

Big week coming for Nico Collins?

Collins popped up on the injury report on Thursday with a hamstring issue, but if he's able to play, the matchup for him is fantastic.

The Jaguars lead the league in using man coverage, and they've employed press coverage over 80% of the time this season. No receiver in the league has better numbers against those coverages than Nico.

Collins leads the NFL in first downs per route run versus man and press coverage.

Houston may have to lean on Collins (assuming his hamstring is good) and Stefon Diggs this week, with Tank Dell likely unavailable for the game with an injury to his chest/ribs.

Dell injured himself at the end of the Vikings game on a meaningless drive, with backup QB Davis Mills in for Stroud.

What does Vegas think?

Depending on which sportsbook you're looking at, the Texans are favored by either 6 or 6.5 points.

The total for the game comes in at 45.5.

Be sure to watch the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap covers all the angles in their game breakdown.

Plus, join us on the SportsMapTexans YouTube channel directly following the game as we'll react live to all the action!

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