Garrett Richards becomes a force in Angels’ rotation

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Garrett Richards credits one change for his rapid evolution into an elite starting pitcher with the Los Angeles Angels.

“I got a job,” he said.

Sometimes it’s just that simple for a young, hard-throwing right-hander. With a regular turn in the Angels’ rotation this year after several seasons of instability, Richards promptly became one of the A.L.’s most effective starters and an All-Star candidate.

Richards always had the stuff for this job, with a vicious cut fastball headlining a strong selection of power pitches. But a regular role has allowed Richards to focus on details and consistency, and he is building on past performances to go 8-2 with a 2.76 ERA.

His other numbers are even more impressive: Opponents are batting just .203 against Richards, second-best in the A.L., and they’ve only hit three homers off him all season. His 99 strikeouts are eighth in the A.L.

The Angels just might have another ace, and they’re confident he can fill any role.

“Garrett can be as good as he wants to be,” Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher said. “He has matured so much right in front of our eyes, and it’s fun to see. In between starts, the work he’s put in in the gym, the way he came into camp in shape he’s putting it all together.”

“They gave me the job right out of spring training,” Richards said. “I don’t have to worry about going up and down. I don’t have that on my shoulder. Butch called me in the offseason and told me I was going to make 33 starts this year, so that’s all I needed to know.”