Los Angeles Angels Garrett Richards Figuring it Out

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Garrett Richards is pitching with purpose. On Saturday Richards cruised through 6 1/3 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers allowing three hits and one run in the Angels 5-1 win at Temple Diablo Stadium. His purpose?

Richard’s wants a spot on the Angels roster and after  posting a 1.88 ERA over 14 1/3 innings  it’s going to be hard  for the Angels to decide otherwise.

Manager Mike Scioscia  seemed to agree but the question is what role will Richards serve. “If the question is, would he be better off being a middle reliever here or start at triple A, that’s something we’ll look at this week. But there’s no doubt his arm plays well in the major leagues.”

As of now  the Angels rotation of Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Joe Blanton, Jason Vargas and Tommy Hanson seems set. However  after Hansen came out of his last start after pitching three innings with tight triceps, Richards window of opportunity may be opening  for at least a temporary spot in the rotation.

Then again Ryan Madson will likely open the season on the disabled list,  Jerome Williams has struggled this spring and Richards may just find himself a roster spot in the bullpen. Richards finished the 2012 season in the Angels bullpen with a 4-3 record and a 4.69 ERA over 30 games.

He has done his part. “I’m figuring it out,” Richards said. “I’m pretty happy with where my delivery is right now. Whatever happens, I can walk away from this spring knowing I did everything possible.”  “I’ll do whatever they ask, whether it’s relieve or start.

Now it seems time for the Angels to figure it out.