Garrett Richards shows why you shouldn’t freak out in April
On Tuesday, Garrett Richards did something he hasn’t since April of 2018: strike out 10 batters in a game.
Not only did he accomplish that, but he also allowed just one run while scattering seven hits and walking nobody across seven innings of work. Following an outing where he had to scratch and claw his way through 4.2 innings without getting shelled in his last start, this was the best response possible.
In his seven innings of work, he managed to drop his ERA from 6.48 to 4.94, and his peripherals ducked into the high-4s as well. His strikeout rate climbed north of 20 percent, and his walk rate is now a notch above 11 percent.
It’s not time to go on a soapbox rant, as expecting Garrett Richards to be great every time out because of one start would be an immense case of hypocrisy. However, perhaps freaking out over four — albeit Jekyll & Hyde — starts may not have been the right play. He needed to bounce back from a shaky outing against Toronto, and he delivered in a big way.
But how does one go from 4.2 innings, walking six and allowing four runs suddenly allow one run, walk nobody and strike out 10 over seven innings? Especially since the second start was against a much better offensive team (Mets, 100 wRC+ entering Tuesday) than his previous one (Blue Jays, 88 wRC+).
Richards worked in between his starts with Red Sox coaches, who wanted to simplify some things, especially his mechanics.
First and foremost, notice how he’s positioned himself on the rubber before a pitch with the bases empty.
There’s already a noticeable difference in his mechanics from the start. He’s turned more towards the plate in almost a semi-stretch starting position.
Next, let’s take a look at how he begins his delivery.
After a very slight step to begin his windup, Richards is almost immediately in his leg-lift in his start on Tuesday. He took a more traditional side-step with his left foot in his previous four starts before going into his full motion. What the previous windup was doing was creating a delivery that was difficult to repeat. In the process, he struggled to get his arm “on time” with the rest of his body; hence, the erratic command.
It’s funny how a simple mechanical switch can lead to a completely different outcome.
Garrett Richards’ first four starts: 16.2 IP, 6.48 ERA, 6.19 SIERA, 57.9 strk%, 14.5 K%, 15.7 BB%, 22.7 CSW%
Garrett Richards on Tuesday: 7.0 IP, 1.29 ERA, 1.72 SIERA, 75.3 strk%, 38.5 K%, 0.0 BB%, 42.0 CSW%
But there was also a difference in pitch usage. While it is unknown whether it was simply the scouting report or just out of feel for the pitch, Richards had thrown his fastball and slider a combined 84.8 percent of the time through four starts. His curveball was used just 15.3 percent of the time.
On Tuesday, the former saw a 78.5 percent usage rate, and his curveball at 21.5 percent. More breaking balls, fewer fastballs. It worked to perfection, as he got 19 swings and misses on 50 swings, plus another 20 called strikes, lending him a 42.0 called-strike-whiff rate for the night.
Nobody should expect Garrett Richards to pitch at a Cy Young level every start. For one, it’s not practical, and two, it’s not 2014 anymore. However, to those who jumped off a bridge after his start against the Blue Jays, consider this a signal to swim to shore.
Garrett Richards is a good pitcher, and he will be a good pitcher moving forward for this roster. Don’t let a four-game sample––that included two fine starts––dictate how you feel about a guy. It’s irresponsible and non-sensical.