Garrett Richards Called Up to Replace Joel Pineiro
By Editorial Staff
Garrett Richards has to be scratching his head.
All he’s done this season is go out and win games in Double-A and now, as a “reward”, the Angels have granted the 23 year old the opportunity to debut his talents Wednesday night against one of the best offenses in the league, the New York Yankees.
But wait, there’s more.
Not only does Richards face the daunting task that is the Yanks O, but he gets to make his first Major League appearance in the one and only Yankee Stadium.
As intimidating as the game and surroundings may seem, Angels’ manager Mike Scioscia thinks Richards is up for the challenge.
"“I think it’s great,” Scioscia said. “I think it’s a great challenge for a youngster. We think he’s going to pitch his game. If he can come into an atmosphere like Yankee Stadium and pitch a good game, you know how much confidence you can take away form that?”"
Richards, a first round pick by LA in the 2009 draft, started 21 games at the Double-A level this season, during which he maintained a 1.135 WHIP and compiled a record of 12-2.
This opportunity came to be after former Angels’ starter Joel Pineiro was been demoted to the pen. Pineiro had lost his last 3 decisions and hadn’t made it out of the 6th in any of his prior 4 starts. After starting out the season well enough, Pineiro has only been able to manage an ERA near 7 since June.
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