Yusei Kikuchi complained about air conditioning malfunction; Angels' GM responds: operating normally and very cool

Last month, Los Angeles Angels' Japanese pitcher Yusei Kikuchi expressed concerns in an interview about the air conditioning in the team's strength training room being faulty. Recently, Angels General Manager Perry Minasian clarified in an interview that the air conditioning is functioning properly, is very cool, and the facilities are in good condition.

After starting the game against the Kansas City Royals at home on September 25, Kikuchi spoke to Japanese media about feeling somewhat dehydrated at the beginning of the match. He mentioned that because the strength training room lacked air conditioning, he warmed up drenched in sweat: "I hope it gets fixed. This issue has been ongoing for a year, and the season is almost over. Training without air conditioning is bad for the body."

Sam Blum, a reporter from the American sports website The Athletic, shared on his X account today the conversation he had with Minasian, referencing Kikuchi's claim that the strength training room "has no air conditioning," and noted that outfielder Kevin Pillar had made similar remarks.

In response, Minasian said, "The air conditioning is working fine and is very cool." When Blum asked again, "Is the air conditioning not broken?" Minasian replied, "No, it isn't."

When asked if he thought Kikuchi was lying, Minasian emphasized, "I never said he was lying. I just don’t understand what he’s referring to. The air conditioning is fine, and we have always taken good care of the players."

When the reporter pointed out that more than one player had mentioned the issue, including Pillar, Minasian responded with a question: "Did he say it was the air conditioning?" The reporter replied that many facilities inside the stadium were below standard, prompting Minasian to ask again, "Did he say the air conditioning was broken?"

The reporter reiterated that many facilities in the stadium were below standard, to which Minasian asked, "So what exactly are you asking?" When asked if improvements were needed, he answered, "No. I believe the facilities are well maintained. We have a great team here, and the atmosphere in the players’ lounge has been excellent this year. I’m sure Yusei Kikuchi would agree."