In this battle for first place in the American League West Division, I want Garrett Richards going for me against rookie Lance McCullers especially taking a price.




The Angels are 23-10 (69%) in Richards' last 33 starts. Richards is an ace and matches up well to the homer-or-bust Astros because he keeps the ball on the ground.




McCullers has cooled off since a fast start. This will be his 13th big league start and opponents are now getting a better feel on him as he goes through the league a second time around. The Angels faced McCullers for the first time last month.




McCullers' ERA in his last three starts is 3.94.




Despite losing to the Astros on Tuesday night, the Angels still are 7-3 in their last 10 games. They played last night minus Mike Trout, arguably the best player in baseball. Trout was held out with a wrist injury, but he's expected to play today after an MRI taken on his wrist showed just mild inflammation.

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover is on an insane 15-4 baseball run and has his 25-Dime Game of the Month going today in addition to this free selection.)