Garrett Richards, a right-handed pitcher known for his powerful arm and dynamic pitching style, spent a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Los Angeles Angels. Born on May 27, 1988, in Riverside, California, Richards attended the University of Oklahoma, where he honed his skills on the mound before being selected by the Angels in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
Richards made his MLB debut with the Angels on August 10, 2011. Over the next few seasons, he gradually established himself as a reliable option in the Angels' pitching rotation. His breakout year came in 2014 when he posted a 13-4 record with a 2.61 ERA and 164 strikeouts over 168.2 innings. That season, Richards demonstrated his ability to dominate opposing hitters with a combination of a high-velocity fastball and a sharp slider. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a knee injury sustained while covering first base in a game against the Boston Red Sox.
Despite the setback, Richards returned to the mound in 2015, continuing to be a vital part of the Angels' rotation. He recorded a 15-12 record with a 3.65 ERA and 176 strikeouts in 207.1 innings, showcasing his durability and effectiveness over a full season. However, injuries continued to plague Richards' career. In 2016, he was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, an injury that often requires Tommy John surgery. Opting for a non-surgical treatment, Richards attempted to rehabilitate his elbow, which limited his appearances over the next two seasons.
In 2018, Richards underwent Tommy John surgery after re-injuring his elbow, ending his season prematurely. Following his recovery, he signed a two-year contract with the San Diego Padres in December 2018. Richards made his return to the mound in 2019, pitching in three games towards the end of the season. The following year, he was part of the Padres' rotation during the shortened 2020 season, where he made 10 starts and posted a 4.03 ERA.
Richards' journey continued in 2021 when he signed with the Boston Red Sox. Initially part of the starting rotation, he struggled with consistency, leading to a transition to the bullpen later in the season. Despite the challenges, Richards adapted to his new role, providing valuable innings as a reliever for the Red Sox.
Throughout his career, Garrett Richards faced numerous obstacles, primarily in the form of injuries.
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