Amid last week’s internet sleuthing fiasco, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi has broken his silence for the first time regarding a rumoured 50-plus sushi party, which further intensified speculation around then-free agent Shohei Ohtani.

Kikuchi took to Instagram on Friday, clearing the air about the alleged event, writing, “I wanted to make it clear that I did not have a sushi party last Friday.” He added, “I can eat sushi for 50-plus people, but I certainly never had a sushi party with 50-plus people!”

The rumour began exactly a week ago after Toronto opera singer Clarence Frazer claimed the Japanese hurler made a dinner reservation at a downtown sushi restaurant for north of 50 people.

Frazer also made a subtle wink at the timing of Kikuchi’s supposed dinner plans, with rumours running out of control about Ohtani potentially flying from California to Toronto on the same day – a report later proved untrue.

Much of the baseball community spent last Friday tracking a private jet headed for Toronto, which, following an inaccurate report from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, had most believe was carrying Ohtani and his representatives. In the end, however, it was none other than Canadian businessman Robert Herjavec.

Less than 24 hours later, Blue Jays fans were devasted to learn of Ohtani’s decision to sign a record-shattering 10-year, $700-million contract – including a $680 million salary deferral – with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday.

Needless to say, it was a moment in history to forget for all of Canada.