March 7 Notes: Red Sox Garrett Richards Continues to Struggle

Garrett Richards was signed as a free agent by the Boston Red Sox this offseason and it has the potential to be an impactful move. So far, Richards isn’t pitching too well.

In his first start of the spring on March 1, he allowed two earned runs and walked two batters. On Sunday, he threw another two innings but gave up four runs and three hits while walking four.

This isn’t a good sign for Richards when he is struggling to get through Spring Training innings. If he was able to throw more strikes he could’ve possibly gotten into the third inning as Charlie Morton did on Sunday against the Red Sox.

Richards isn’t too concerned with his rocky start to Spring Training, though. “I’m healthy, moving in the right direction continuing to get my timing with my lower and upper half synced up. That’s been the issue so far. Then worrying about my front side, not clearing out too early. All mechanical stuff right now,” he told the media following Sunday’s start.

The Red Sox need Richards to step up this season, as they don’t have a ton of depth in the rotation. Chris Sale is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and Nathan Eovaldi had his start pushed back to Tuesday due to personal reasons so he might be slightly behind everyone else in terms of ramping up their innings.

Boston has an off day scheduled for Monday before getting back after it on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Nick Pivetta, who is battling for the final rotation spot, is scheduled to take the mound.

(Photo: Gregory Bull/AP)