News: MLB.com reports Angels pitcher Jerome Williams was declared the team's fifth starter on Thursday, beating out prospect Garrett Richards, who will remain at Triple-A Salt Lake. Williams, who is on the 15-day DL with a hamstring injury, made two minor-league rehab starts.
Analysis: Apparently, a fast start at Triple-A wasn't enough for Richards to win the final spot in the team's rotation. He's 1-0 with a 2.03 ERA and .188 opponents' batting average in two starts for the Bees. He also has 15 strikeouts to two walks in 13 1/3 innings. You see why he's one of the team's top pitching prospects. You might stash Richards in AL-only formats, but he has more appeal as a low-end, long-term keeper.
News: Angels relief pitcher Garrett Richards yielded three runs -- two earned -- and six hits in six innings during Los Angeles' 3-3 tie against the Cubs in a Cactus League game on Saturday. Richards managed his longest outing of the spring and recorded a strikeout and a walk. “I wanted to push the envelope and make their decision hard," he said. "I’d like to think that I’ve done a good enough job (for the spot), but the ball is in their hands.”
Analysis: Richards remains in a battle with Jerome Williams for the last spot in the Angels rotation and a verdict should be coming soon. The 23-year-old has made five starts this spring -- two appearances since March 16 -- and registered a 3.54 ERA. His strikeout numbers had been on the rise, but his output Saturday was his fewest since his second outing. Consider him a low-end option in deeper AL-only Fantasy formats with a starting job.
News: Angels relief pitcher Garrett Richards allowed six runs -- four earned -- and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings during Los Angeles' 6-2 loss to Colorado in a Cactus League game on Monday. Richards, competing for the last remaining spot in the rotation, registered five strikeouts and three walks. It was his first appearance in a Cactus League outing since March 16 against Cleveland when he fanned six batters in four innings.
Analysis: Richards is locked in a showdown with Jerome Williams for the No. 5 spot, but didn't boost his chances with Monday's outing. The right-hander had displayed effective control during the early part of the spring and had walked just one batter over his first three spring appearances. Williams might have grabbed the edge as manager Mike Scioscia plans to make a decision this week. Consider Richards a late-round option in deeper AL-only Fantasy drafts if he secures the starting spot.
News: Angels pitcher Garrett Richards got the start in a Triple-A game on Wednesday. He allowed two runs over five innings. Richards is competing with Jerome Williams for the No. 5 spot in the rotation this spring. "I'm trying to show to them that I have been working hard and that I have committed myself to my craft," Richards told MLB.com. "I'm happy with where I'm at right now and I'm just going to continue to improve and show them things that they might still have questions about. I don't know what they might be. I'm just going to continue to do what I do and go out there and pitch like I know how to pitch."
Analysis: Richards has looked solid so far this spring and with Williams still out due to an injury, it looks as though the right-hander will begin the season in the rotation. There has been no official word of yet so keep an eye on the situation going forward. Richards went 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA in seven appearances (three starts) in the majors last season but has proven in the minors that he has some upside in Fantasy. Target the 23-year-old in AL-only formats on Draft Day.
News: Angels pitcher Garrett Richards strengthened his case to earn the final spot in the rotation in Friday's Cactus League game against the Indians. He threw four scoreless innings, giving up just three hits in the 7-0 win. The right-hander also struck out six and did not walk a batter while lowering his spring ERA to 2.00. "Right now, I just stick to thirds, work the ball in and out, change speeds," Richards told MLB.com. "My slider was my strikeout pitch today. I threw some good changeups today. Later on, my two-seam kind of came back to me. And the four-seam, throwing the ball in to lefties and away to righties, felt good. Today, I felt like I could throw anything for a strike."
Analysis: Richards has a good chance to make the rotation with Jerome Williams nursing an injury so keep an eye on his progress going forward. He went 12-2 with a 3.15 ERA in 22 appearances (21 starts) a year ago for Double-A Arkansas and has a ton of upside at age 23. Richards would be worth a look in AL-only formats as a starter and remains a viable option in long-term Fantasy formats.
News: Angels relief pitcher Garrett Richards gave up three hits in three scoreless innings during his second spring start in Los Angeles' 17-2 rout of Cleveland in Cactus League action on Sunday. Richards, vying for the No. 5 spot in the Angels rotation, did not record a strikeout or walk as he posted his second win. He could be the favorite to win the spot since Jerome Williams has not been able to pitch with a strained hamstring. “I’m trying not to think too much about it,” Richards said. “I can’t control it.”
Analysis: Richards said he has been working on new things while trying to impress the coaching staff, one of them being trying not to tip his pitches, something he said he had done in his first start last season against the Yankees. He allowed six earned runs in five innings that game. Overall, Richards finished 0-2 with a 5.73 ERA in seven appearances last year, including three starts. Fantasy owners should monitor his status during the spring as he could worth a late selection in deeper AL-only Fantasy drafts.
News: Angels pitcher Garrett Richards made his spring debut on Tuesday against the White Sox. He gave up two runs on four hits over two innings of work in the 6-2 win. He also struck out one and walked one. Richards is competing for a spot in the rotation this spring.
Analysis: Richards went 12-2 with a 3.15 ERA in 22 appearances (21 starts) for Double-A Arkansas last season before seeing some action in the majors. He posted a 5.79 ERA in seven appearances (three starts) with the big club and is competing with Jerome Williams for the final rotation spot this spring. The 23-year-old might not be ready to start in the majors but keep an eye on his progress during camp. If Richards earns the No. 5 spot, he will be worth using in deeper Fantasy formats in 2012.
News: Angels SP Garrett Richards got the spot start in the regular-season finale on Wednesday night at home against Texas. Richards started in place of Jered Weaver, who was scratched due to the Angels being eliminated from playoff contention. Richards pitched well on Wednesday and earned a no-decision as he left the game tied at one run apiece. Richards allowed one earned run on just two hits and three walks over his five innings of work. The only run he allowed came on a home run from Mike Napoli in the second inning. Richards regrouped and finished with 71 pitches thrown and one strikeout in the performance. His ERA finishes at 5.79 for the season.
Analysis: Richards made just his third start and seventh appearance of the season for the Angels on Wednesday in the spot start for Weaver. The 23-year-old was much better on Wednesday than in his previous start for the Angels, but he's no sure bet to make the rotation heading into spring training. Richards will have to battle for a job and his Fantasy value remains mostly long-term at this point. Richards will carry some sleeper appeal into next season, but we doubt he's ready to make a major impact.
News: The Angels have tabbed Garrett Richards to start the season finale on Wednesday against Texas. With the Angels being eliminated, the team decided to shut down Jered Weaver and start Richards Wednesday instead. Richards has made four appearances out of the bullpen since being activated off the disabled list.
Analysis: Richards has appeared in six games this season for the Angels and has started two of them. He's gone 0-2 with an ERA of 8.00 and a WHIP of 2.00. Clearly, Richards is not someone to be using in any Fantasy leagues for the regular-season finale. He doesn't have Fantasy appeal heading into next season, either.
News: The Angels activated SP Garrett Richards off the 15-day disabled list prior to Monday's contest against the Mariners. Richards, who has been sidelined since Aug. 16 with a groin injury, will pitch out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season. "I need to get experience and innings and they need to see me pitch," Richards said.
Analysis: Richards made a pair of start for the Angels, but he was injured after recording just two outs during his second outing. While the 23-year-old is considered one of Anaheim's top future arms, he will need to prove himself over the final few weeks of the season if he wants to lock up a spot in the starting rotation heading into next year. Now that Richards will be used primarily in middle relief, he can be dropped in the majority of seasonal formats.
News: Angels SP Garrett Richards was able to make a rehab appearance Saturday for Double-A Arkansas, in a stint to help the recovery of his strained groin. He worked two frames against Springfield, giving up three hits and two earned runs while on the hill. Richards did fan three batters in the short time.
Analysis: Richards has made just a pair of starts for L.A. this season, and his MLB status once he is healthy remains in doubt. The right-hander owns a 9.53 ERA after totaling 5 2/3 innings in his outings. Unless he returns as a starter, he is not worth owning in any Fantasy format at this point in the season. Keep an eye on Richards' rehab progress, though.
News: Angels SP Garrett Richards (0-1) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Arkansas on Saturday, according to the Orange County Register. Richards has been on the disabled list since Aug. 16 with a strained right groin.
Analysis: Richards has made two starts with Los Angeles this season, however it's unclear what role he will assume once he's healthy enough to return. The right-hander owns a 9.53 ERA after totaling 5 2/3 innings in his outings. Unless he returns as a starter, he is not worth owning in any Fantasy format at this point in the season.
News: Angels manager Mike Scioscia told MLB.com on Saturday that pitcher Garrett Richards is still "a ways away." Richards was put on the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 16 with a strained right groin. "He's moving around doing some exercises," Scioscia said. "The groin has definitely settled down." He left his start on Monday after sustaining the injury during the first inning. He surrendered one run on two hits prior to leaving the contest.
Analysis: While Richards is starting to make some progress, he is only an AL-only Fantasy option. He is 0-1 with 9.53 ERA for the Halos. He still has to prove his worth in mixed leagues, which is why he's barely worth stashing on a DL spot. Continue to monitor him while he's on the shelf, but don't expect a lot when he's healthy.
News: Los Angeles SP Garrett Richards was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday with a groin injury. He left his start on Monday after sustaining the injury during the first inning. He surrendered one run on two hits prior to leaving the contest and was replaced on the mound. SS Andrew Romine was sent to Triple-A Salt Lake. Trevor Bell and Horacio Ramirez were both recalled from Triple-A to fill out the roster. Joel Pineiro will get the start for Richards on Saturday against the Orioles.
Analysis: Richards didn't have a great start to his career as he last just 5 2/3 innings in his two starts. He is 0-1 with 9.53 ERA. Fantasy owners that gambled on him are out of luck as he's now out of action for a bit. When healthy, Richards can be considered an AL-only option. He has not yet proven himself worthy to be used in mixed leagues.
News: Angels SP Garrett Richards left Monday night's contest against the Rangers after suffering a strained right groin. Richards appeared to sustain the injury sometime during the first inning and was eventually pulled with two outs after throwing 19 pitches. He surrendered one run on two hits prior to leaving the contest and was replaced on the mound by Bobby Cassevah.
Analysis: Richards has been diagnosed with a strained right groin and could wind up on the disabled list with his injury. He is scheduled to make his start on Saturday against the Orioles, but that obviously is in doubt now. The Angels will re-evaluate his status on Tuesday, so Fantasy owners should continue to monitor the situation moving forward to see how things play out. Richards can be considered a viable option in AL-only formats, when healthy. Joel Pineiro is likely to take his place in the rotation if he lands on the DL.
News: Angels SP Garrett Richards made his major league debut on Wednesday night in New York. The Yankees did not go easy on him. In his welcome to the big leagues moment, Richards was in for a rude first-inning awakening as he walked the first two batters -- Brett Gardner and Derek Jeter -- he faced. Before even recording a major league out, out came the Angels pitching coach to speak with the rookie. That didn't work, however, as Richards immediately surrendered a three-run homer to Curtis Granderson in the next at-bat. Richards was down 3-0 before he even recorded an out. He settled in a bit after that, and ultimately allowed six earned runs on six hits and two walks over five innings in his debut. He took the loss and is 0-1 for his career with an ugly 10.80 ERA.
Analysis: Richards also allowed a double to Robinson Cano before his nightmarish first big-league inning came to an end on Wednesday. We certainly cannot call this an encouraging major league debut, but it is something to build off as Richards had to start his career at Yankee Stadium. Things can only get easier from here, no? His next start is scheduled for Monday in Week 20 (Aug. 15-21) against Texas. Richards should make two starts during the upcoming scoring period if he's not optioned back to the minors. Still, after this debut, he's only going to be worth giving a whirl in AL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: According to the Los Angeles Times, Angels manager Mike Scioscia has tabbed Garrett Richards as Wednesday's starting pitcher against the Yankees.
Analysis: Richards is worth taking a flier on in AL-only leagues given his upside, but remains mostly a keeper league option. In 21 starts for Double-A Arkansas Richards went 12-2 with a 3.06 ERA.
News: The Los Angeles Time reports that Angels pitching prospect Garrett Richards could be called upon to take the rotation spot of struggling starter Joel Pineiro, who was pulled from the rotation and sent to the bullpen on Thursday. Manager Mike Scioscioa said that he would not name a replacement until early next week. "He's in the conversation," Scioscia said of Richards, 23, who was a compensation pick after the first round in 2009. "He's a guy who has come a long way."
Analysis: Richards, the organization's top pitching prospect, took a 12-1 record and 3.04 earned-run average into Thursday night's start at Double-A, so he would be in line to pitch Wednesday on one extra day of rest. He could be worth taking a flier on already in AL-only leagues given his upside, but remains mostly a keeper league option for now. Continue to monitor this situation.
News: Angels SP prospect Garrett Richards improved to 7-1 on Monday for Double-A Arkansas after working eight innings against Springfield. He has won two straight starts and his last five decisions. Richards has a 3.55 ERA and .233 opponents' batting average in 12 starts. He also has 60 strikeouts to 27 walks in 78 2/3 innings.
Analysis: One of Richards' more impressive stats this season is the fact he has allowed just five homers in the hitter-friendly Texas League. Richards has allowed just 15 homers in 46 career starts and is very effective at working down in the zone. That is only going to help him as he progresses toward the majors. Richards, who is considered the Angels' No. 7 prospect by Baseball America, remains a viable long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Angels SP prospect Garrett Richards suffered his first loss at Double-A Arkansas in his last start Wednesday against Tulsa. Richards (2-1) was tagged for six runs on eight hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings. Richards is carrying a 4.91 ERA and 1.36 WHIP after five starts. He has 22 strikeouts and 12 walks in 29 1/3 innings.
Analysis: Don't worry too much about Richards' inflated ERA. The Texas League has been known to make good pitching prospects look silly, but this is actually a good chance for Richards to see how he handles adversity. Richards is 17-7 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in his first 39 minor-league starts. The 2009 supplemental first-round pick had a high ERA (6.57) in college at Oklahoma, but his live arm is why the scouts are excited about his potential. He has the chance four four average pitches, but he needs to work on his command and mechanics before his MLB debut, which could still be a year away. Richards, who is considered the Angels' No. 7 prospect by Baseball America, remains a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Angels pitching prospect Garrett Richards got the start in Sunday's game against the Reds and pitched pretty well. He worked three innings and gave up just one run on two hits. He also struck out a batter. But after the game, the 22-year-old was re-assigned to minor-league camp, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis: Richards posted a 3.86 ERA this spring but the plan all along was to start him out in the minors. The right-hander went 12-5 with a 3.52 ERA in 26 starts between two levels of the minors last season, and is likely a few years away from making an impact in the majors. Continue to monitor his progress down on the farm but leave Richards for long-term keeper leagues at this point.
News: Angels SP prospect Garrett Richards walked the first man he faced during Saturday's exhibition game against the Dodgers, but he sat down the next six hitters, including the last two on strikeouts. "After walking the first hitter," Angels manager Mike Scioscia told MLB.com, "he got his bearings. He showed plus stuff. That's a start. He's a young kid, developing. You see the arm strength, and he can spin the ball."
Analysis: Richards is one of the Angels' top-pitching prospects, but he is destined to open the year in the minors. He hasn't pitched above Class A, so he needs some time in the high minors. Richards has a fastball in the mid-90s, with movement on both his two-seamer and four-seamer. He also has a slider, curveball and changeup. Fantasy owners should also be happy to know that Richards is striking out 9.0 batters per nine innings in his minor-league career. He might not debut in the majors until 2012, but Richards is a viable long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Angels SP prospect Garrett Richards has been invited to spring training as a non-roster invitee. Richards is considered the team's seventh best prospect by Baseball America.
Analysis: Richards finally had a full season in the minors in 2010 after being selected as a supplemental first-round pick in 2009. He went 12-5 with a 3.52 ERA in 26 starts at two stops at Class A. He struck out 149 batters in 143 innings and held the opposition to a .242 batting average. Richards probably needs another year pitching in the high minors before he gets a sniff of the majors. Still, he can be considered a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: According to MLB.com, Angels prospect SP Garrett Richards looks like he is ready to move up. In 19 starts for Class A Cedar Rapids Richards has gone 8-4 with a 3.41 ERA. He's struck out 108 batters in 108 1/3 innings of work.
Analysis: Richards is one of the better prospects in the Angels farm system as he was taken with the 42nd pick of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. If he is promoted to Double-A he would be a step closer to the majors, but still a ways out from having any Fantasy impact. Consider him a long-term keeper option
