Richards will start on Opening Day against the Cubs, Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richards took a bit of a step back after his terrific 2014 season, but he still put forth a solid 2015 campaign with a 3.65 ERA over the span of a career-high 207.1 innings. He'll get the ball Monday night and will oppose defending NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, as the Angels open up the season with interleague play.

Richards is working on bringing his changeup back into his arsenal this spring, the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

In his most recent outing Sunday, Richards threw his fastball and changeup for the bulk of his 52 pitches. After throwing the off-speed pitch earlier in his career, Richards hasn't used a changeup in either of the last two seasons. "Every day, it gets a little better," Richards said. "It's a pitch that gets people off the fastball and sets up everything. It's going to be another pitch that guys have to respect." With a fastball that touched 100 mph in Arizona last week, Richards is throwing his changeup at 90 mph, which adds depth to arsenal that already features a slider in the high-80s and a slow curve in the high-70s.

Richards and the Angels have agreed to a one-year, $6.425 million contract Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richards didn't compete for the AL Cy Young Award like he did in 2014, but his performance warranted a nice pay day nonetheless. Richards finished the season with a 15-12 record, a 3.65 ERA, and a 1.24 WHIP and will be a front-line starter for the Angels once again in 2016.

Richards will start Sunday against the Rangers, MLB.com's Phil Rogers reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Angels made a miraculous comeback Saturday, so Sunday's game will decide whether the two teams will need to play a 163rd game to decide the division. Cole Hamels will start for the Rangers.

Richards will start Sunday's game unless the Angels are eliminated Saturday, MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Angels could have their postseason hopes squashed if they lose and the Astros win Saturday, so Richards making the start Sunday on short rest is not guaranteed. This would be the first time in his career that Richards pitched on short rest.

Richards struck out seven while allowing three runs -- none of them earned -- on two hits and four walks over six innings against Oakland on Wednesday. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Richards actually left with a lead, but his bullpen didn't let that last long. He ends his 2015 campaign by reaching the 200-inning mark for the first time, and although Richards wasn't nearly as sharp this year as he was last season, he still possesses plenty of long-term upside. He'll need to put some work into polishing up his control, though -- he averaged four walks per game over his final five starts of the year and saw his BB/9 inflate to 3.31 after putting up 2.73 and 2.72 marks in the prior two campaigns.

Richards (15-11) pitched well on Friday, allowing three runs on five hits and four walks across seven innings in a win over the Mariners. He struck out eight.

EDGE Analysis

Richards allowed all three runs in the first two innings and then settled down big time. The 3.73 ERA is a bit disappointing, but his 163 strikeouts make up for it. The strikeout rate and walk rate have regressed a bit from last season, but all the peripherals point to a bounce back for next year. Richards final start will be against the A's next Wednesday.

Richards (14-11) surrendered five hits, two earned runs and four walks in 8.2 innings in a 5-2 victory over the Twins. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

Richards turned in a gutsy performance in a key game for the AL wild-card-chasing Angels, throwing a season-high 122 pitches in his second longest outing of the season. It was also the 27-year-old's fourth quality start in his last five appearances. Richards still struggles with his control, as his 3.2 BB/9 rate demonstrates, but is undoubtedly one of the most important components of an Angels pitching staff spearheading the team's postseason push.

Richards lost his 11th game Monday against Seattle as he allowed four runs on five hits and four walks over five innings. He struck out six.

EDGE Analysis

Richards was nasty at times, as he drew 10 swinging strikes in 100 pitches, but he was too wild to make use of it Monday. Richards has walked four or more batters in just four starts this year, and he needs to have his control working to be at his best. His ERA is up to 3.81 as he snapped a three-start quality start streak.

Richards (13-10) struck out a career-high eleven batters Wednesday, giving up two earned runs on four hits and three walks over 7.2 innings in a 3-2 win over the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Richards took a tough luck no-decision against the Dodgers, receiving minimal run support through his outing. The 27-year-old ace has made 2015 a season to remember, notching quality starts in six of his last seven outings. With the Angels in hot pursuit of a wild card spot, expect Richards to play a pivotal role in the team's success over the final month.