As mentioned before, the Lions will take it slowly with Yusei Kikuchi.  And now it seems that part 2 of that plan will entail bringing Kikuchi into a game out of the bullpen, instead of as a starter.

"Unless he's really putting up some numbers, [his debut] likely won't be as a starter.  But we'll take a look at him and then make a decision," said Hisanobu Watanabe.