Angels' Richards to start Tuesday after 5-month layoff
Garrett Richards hasn't stepped onto a major-league mound since April 5, but when the Los Angeles Angels travel to the Oakland Coliseum on Tuesday, the 29-year-old will be on the hill.
The Angels announced Saturday that Richards will get the start against the Athletics after missing nearly the entire season following a biceps injury.
"I’m obviously excited," Richards told Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. "I’ve been waiting for this day for a while now. I’ve put in a lot of work. A lot of time. I’ve been pretty patient. I’m just excited about playing baseball."
Richards said manager Mike Scioscia is planning to limit him to 50 pitches during the contest, although he is expected to increase his pitch count during each start afterwards.
Even though Richards has thrown just 38 1/3 innings in the big leagues over the last two seasons while suffering through nerve irritation in his throwing arm, he expects to be able to perform like he used to.
"In my eyes, I’m back to who I am," Richards explained. "I don’t notice any difference in my delivery or my action in my stuff. I am ready to compete again. I have full confidence in going out and giving us a good start."
Over the course of seven seasons in the majors, Richards owns a 40-32 record with a 3.56 ERA across 149 appearances, 94 of which were starts.