Breaking Down the Los Angeles Angels Projected Starting Five

Garrett Richards:

Garrett Richards didn’t much of a chance to pitch last season before his injury took place. Starting in only six games, the Edmond Oklahoma High School Graduate was placed on the DL in May. He suffered a UCL tear in his elbow. At first, things looked grim for Richards, it was likely he was going to have to have Tommy John surgery.

However, Richards opted for stem cell therapy instead. The therapy appears to have worked as he has been fully cleared to resume baseball activities. Richards is also projected to be the Opening Days starter barring any setback during Spring Training.

If you venture back to 2015, Richards had a record of 15 wins, 12 losses. He pitched an ERA of 3.65 in over 200 innings pitched. Richards was looking to build his reputation as the ace of the Los Angeles Angels with Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson both approaching the end of their respected time with the Angels.

Look for the Angels to do everything in their power to maintain the health of Garrett Richards. It’s no secret the Angels will need his elite level pitching in order to compete with some of the strong batters in the AL West.

Expect for Richards to start around 25 games this season, his ERA and wins should be elite as he has shown us in the past.