Los Angeles Angels: Garrett Richards returns to rotation in time for playoff race
By Brad Faber
The Los Angeles Angels’ starting rotation has now received a much-needed boost.
Last week, the Los Angeles Angels acquired Justin Upton from the Detroit Tigers, sending a clear signal that they intend to make a run at the postseason. As of Wednesday morning, the Angels now hold a half-game lead over the Minnesota Twins for the second AL Wild Card spot.
Though the Angels lost speedster Cameron Maybin on waivers to the division-leading Houston Astros, Upton will provide the additional power bat that Los Angeles has needed. However, while the addition of Upton to a lineup that already featured the best player in the game in Mike Trout clearly makes the team better, the Angels could still use a bit of pitching help.
The Angels’ starting rotation currently possesses a 4.55 ERA, which is good enough to rank seventh in the American League, but obviously behind several division leaders and contending teams. That being said, the Angels have now been given another jolt with the return of Garrett Richards.
Back in 2014, Richards, who had previously split time between the rotation and bullpen, had a breakout year in his first full season as a starting pitcher. Though his season was cut short by a knee injury in late August, Richards went 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP over 26 starts during the 2014 campaign.
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The next season, Richards returned and put up ace-like numbers yet again, going 15-12 with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP over a career-high 32 starts and 207.1 innings pitched.
Recent trouble with injuries
Over the past two years, Richards has had a tough time staying on the field. After being limited to only six starts last season, Richards was sidelined by a biceps injury in April of this year. On Tuesday night, the 29-year-old right-hander returned to make only his second start of the year. He was eased back into action, but fired a solid 3.1 innings against the Oakland Athletics, allowing only four hits, one earned run and striking out three. The Angels ultimately won the contest by a score of 8-7 in extra innings.
In addition to being without Richards for most of the season, the Angels were without Tyler Skaggs and Andrew Heaney for a large portion of the year as well. Skaggs had been out since late April while Heaney had not pitched all season. Both rejoined the starting staff last month.
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With Richards now back in the rotation, the Angels are in a much better position to try and secure a Wild Card spot. Richards, who now has a 3.44 career ERA in 95 games as a starter, could be exactly what the Halos need right now. If the Angels are in fact able to reach the postseason, it would mark their first playoff berth since 2014, when they posted an MLB-best record of 98-64.