Rangers Sign Another Ex-Red Sox Pitcher

For the second time in a week, the Texas Rangers have brought in a Boston Red Sox hurler. Last week they brought back lefty Martin Perez; now they've signed right-hander Garrett Richards to a one-year contract. 

Rangers have signed RHP Garrett Richards. He was 7-8 with a 4.87 ERA last season with Boston. Could be a nice back of the rotation guy to eat innings and maybe have a sneaky good season. #TexasRangers pic.twitter.com/X5ild5cM90

— AllThingRangers (@AllThingRangers) March 18, 2022

The 11-year veteran spent most of his career with the Los Angeles Angels, but after two years with the San Diego Padres and one with the Boston Red Sox, he's back in the American League West. 

The 33-year-old made 40 appearances for the BoSox in 2021, nearly half of them in relief, pitching to a 4.87 ERA. Boston declined his $10M option, making him a free agent.

According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, Richards is expected to fill a multi-inning relief role for the Rangers, which bodes well, as his numbers out of the bullpen far surpassed his starters' stats in Boston. 

Richards thriving as a reliever

In his 18 relief outings in '21, he held batters to a .659 OPS and struck out 2 1/2 more batters per nine than he did as a starter (9.6 vs 7.1). 

Since his last full season in 2015, Richards has had all sorts of arm problems, including a Tommy John surgery and another elbow procedure. 

The Rangers are hoping he'll continue to find success in the lessened load out of the bullpen.

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports