GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Clayton Richard's final start before signing with the Padres in August 2016 came on a high school field in Lafayette, Ind. The opponent? A local youth team called the Monticello Tribe, featuring a roster of 15- and 16-year-olds.
Twenty months later, Richard will start on one of the sport's grandest stages for the first time. Earlier this month, Richard was named the Padres' Opening Day starter for Thursday against Milwaukee, and he wrapped up his Cactus League slate on Saturday, with three scoreless frames against the Reds.
After a "date night" Saturday, he'll begin preparing for the Brewers on Sunday morning.