Garrett

Richards

Richards was designated for assignment by the Rangers last Wednesday and will now head into the open market after passing through waivers unclaimed. The veteran right-hander had registered a 5.27 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 36/13 K/BB ratio through 42 2/3 innings this season with Texas.

The 34-year-old hurler struggled through 32 appearances out of the Rangers bullpen this season, compiling a 5.27 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 36/13 K/BB ratio across 42 2/3 innings. Given his experience, there’s a chance that another club may be willing to take a flyer on him on waivers.

Well that will work. Richards barely had time to break a sweat while on the mound against the Athletics, as he only came in after José Leclerc gave up a pair of solo homers in the top of the ninth to push the game into save territory. Richards needed just one pitch to induce a Steven Vogt flyout for the final out of the contest. This was just Richards’ fourth save in the last nine seasons (with all four coming over the last two campaigns). Fantasy managers can look elsewhere for more consistent back-end options.

Richards gave up two hits, walked one, and struck out two. After allowing a leadoff single to Travis Demeritte to open up the game, Austin Riley sent a first-pitch fastball center field. The 33-year-old veteran should continue to throw an inning or two whenever his number is called moving forward.

The Athletics hit two singles off of Richards to begin the bottom of the first inning, but a double play bailed him out. He would then pitch a scoreless bottom of the second before being taken out of the game. He’ll likely remain in the bullpen for the time being.

Spencer Howard was scheduled to start, but it appears now that the right-hander will be the bulk hurler. Richards could get multiple innings, but since he won’t pitch long enough to qualify for a win, there’s no fantasy significance here.

Bush will likely go an inning or two before giving way to a bulk pitcher. That could be Garrett Richards, who was activated off the injured list on Thursday. The 36-year-old Bush was the first-overall pick in the 2004 draft. While the early part of his career was derailed due to personal and legal issues -- including a 39-month prison sentence -- it’s injury issues which have kept him off the field in recent years.

Richards has been working his way back from a middle finger blister on his right (throwing) hand. The 33-year-old is taking the place of Spencer Howard, who is going on the injured list with an issue with a blister himself. The right-hander is expected to work in a multi-inning role to begin his time with Texas.

Richards opened the regular season on the 10-day injured list with a right middle finger blister, but doesn’t appear too far away from rejoining the Rangers’ pitching mix.

The blister is on his pitching hand, but Richards just signed with the Rangers two weeks ago and could probably use more buildup anyway. The 33-year-old should be an option for Texas around mid-to-late April and is slated to fill a multi-inning bullpen role whenever he’s ready.