Making your major league debut for a team in the midst of a tight pennant race while playing in New York City may not be the easiest task to ask a 23-year-old Double-A pitcher, but that is exactly what the Angels are asking of Garrett Richards. After #5 starter Joel Pineiro's ERA ballooned to 5.31 and Angel ace Jered Weaver is serving a 6-game suspension, the Angels promoted Richards from their Double-A Arkansas club joining Tyler Chatwood as the second rookie in the Halo rotation.
The young right-hander had a stellar 12-2 record with a 3.06 ERA in 141 innings. Richards has struck out 100 while issuing 40 walks.
The Yankees will send their slightly more experienced rookie Ivan Nova (10-4, 3.81 ERA) to face the Angels. The Yankee right-hander has 6 wins over his last seven starts, while compiling a 2.091 ERA in that span.
The Angels continue to keep pace with the AL West division leading Texas Rangers. Both teams won Tuesday, keeping the Angels a game and a half behind. The Halos have been within 2 games of the lead since July 27th.
Who's Hot - Last 14 Days:
Torii Hunter - 19 for his last 49 (.388), 3 2B, 1 HR
Mark Trumbo - 13 for his last 44 (.295), 2 2B, 4 HR, 15 RBI
Mark Teixeira - 14 for his last 51 (.275),4 HR, 10 RBI
Eduardo Nunez - 10 for his last 32 (.313)
Curtis Granderson - 16 for his last 50 (.320), 5 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 10 RBI
Eric Chavez - 11 for his last 35 (.314), 1 HR, 8 RBI
Robinson Cano - 16 for his last 48 (.333), 4 2B, 2 HR, 13 RBI
Who's Cold - Last 14 Days:
Bobby Abreu - 6 for his last 37 (.162)
Erick Aybar - 8 for his last 50 (.160)
Vernon Wells - 7 for his last 44 (.159)
Brett Gardner - 13 for his last 53 (.245)
Game time is 4:05pm (PDT) and will be show on Fox Sports West. For more Angels' news, be sure to check out Halos Heaven.