ANGELS – LIARS, ALL OF THEM
Garrett Richards appears likely to miss the rest of the 2016 and half of next season due to an injury to the UCL in his elbow. He will almost certainly need Tommy John surgery as a result (he is seeking a second opinion before making the decision). Guys have TJ surgery all the time. No shock that something like this could happen to Richards. Matt Shoemaker figures to be recalled to full the rotation spot as C.J. Wilson (shoulder), Tyler Skaggs (biceps tendinitis) and Andrew Heaney (a damaged UCL the team hopes will not require surgery) simply aren’t available. Cory Rasmus is starting for the club Friday, just an FYI.
The real issue is the blatant lying that everyone involved with the team offered the public. Make no mistake, the Angels lied to reporters and fans alike.
From Jeff Fletcher. “Angels Garrett Richards said he isn't feeling back to full strength and isn't sure he'll be able to pitch Friday. Will see doctor in SoCal.”
From Jon Morosi. “Garrett Richards now considered doubtful for Friday's scheduled start due to fatigue, source says.”
Richards himself said that he was dehydrated and just off. “I’m still a little bit fatigued,” Richards said Wednesday. “My body’s a little tired. I’m just trying to bounce back. Everything just doesn’t feel as crisp right now.”
So you tell me, what are we to think when days later we learn that his elbow is jacked and he needs surgery? I’ll tell you what I think. I think everyone involved with the club are bold faced liars. I leave you to make the decision for yourself.
From the well that makes sense department, here is a link to the article about links this week.
HITTING
AL-only leaguers… Omar Infante is going to see his workload decreased to just 3-5 days a week. That means Christian Colon is likely to see his role increase.
What is going on with Daniel Murphy? He had four more hits Friday and he is now batting .406. Friday was the second time in three games that he has produced four hits and in that time he’s scored six runs. Murphy also has eight RBI his last eight games. Just nails he has been. Realize though that he isn’t turning into George Brett in his 8th big league season. Might want to investigate selling the steaking infielder as the return could be significant.
Wilson Ramos hit his third homer Friday as he went 2-for-4 to boost his average up to an impressive .351. Note that his OBP this season is .360. Ramos has walked once in 19 games. He’s failed to walk 22 times in each of the last four seasons. Dreadful and one of the key reasons that Ramos will not be batting .300 this year. Hell, that shouldn’t be a newsflash. Ramos is a career .261 hitter.
Tyler White is out of the Astros lineup Friday. Over his last 44 plate appearances he is batting .075 with a .236 OPS. He’s been an unmitigated disaster. Meanwhile A.J. Reed has appeared in 23 games at Triple-A hitting just .244 with 21 strikeouts. However, he’s also walked 15 times leading to a .353 OBP and he is the owner of a .512 SLG thanks to six homers and five doubles in just 86 at-bats.
PITCHING
Shane Greene was throwing as he attempted to get his arm back in shape after missing some time with a blister. Unfortunately, the blister tore open Friday, an obvious setback. Sounds like Michael Fulmer will get a chance to stick in the rotation a bit longer, even after he was blown up Thursday night.
John Lackey struck out 11 Nationals Friday and how has 40 punchouts over 40.1 innings. He’s also the owner of a 1.09 WHIP. Continually overlooked.
Hector Rondon has 17 strikeouts and no walks through 10.1 innings this season. He only has five saves, but he’s been aces.
CC Sabathia went seven shutout innings in his last start. Alas, the good times will end right there as he’s been sent to the disabled list with a groin injury that the club estimates will put him on the sidelines for three weeks. Ivan Nova will step into the open rotation spot with the Yankees. Nova went 6-11 last season with a 5.07 ERA over 17 starts, but he will get his chance to prove that he should be more than a swingman. A moderately skilled pitcher, the #1 piece of Nova’s arsenal is his ability to generate ground balls (career 50.5 percent mark). He’s nothing other than an AL-only addition.
Max Scherzer allowed seven runs over five innings Friday. Let the panic begin. That’s terrible work on its own, and though the wind was blowing out in Wrigley, it’s still rather shocking to see that he allowed four home runs in the game. That’s eight big flies allowed this season, the most in baseball, and they are a huge reason that his ERA is 4.60. Don’t panic. He gives up homers (27 last year). Things will normalize with the innings. Be buying, not selling.
Ray Flowers can be heard Monday through Friday, 7 PM EDT and Friday on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM 87). You can also hear Ray Sunday nights at 6 PM on the channel talking fantasy sports. Follow Ray’s work at Fantasy Alarm and on Twitter (@baseballguys).