With rain and weather in the area, the teams will have gone through an hour-long delay before taking the field. It remains to be seen if this will affect tonight's starters, but it looks like the two teams will be pushing to get this one in tonight.

With a 51% chance of rain at 8:00, it appears that the rain is starting to move out of the area, although there is at least a 43% chance all throughout the night in New York.

While Richards pitches Friday, the Angels will roll out a bullpen game on Saturday, according to the Southern California News Group's Jeff Fletcher. The starting reliever is yet to be determined for that game.

Since his return from the disabled list, Richards has gone 0-2 with 14 strikeouts, 2 walks and 4 earned runs across 13 1/3 innings. He's projected for a 3.21 ERA the rest of the year.

Angels coach Mike Scioscia said that he's still unsure when Escobar -- who has been out with a strained oblique since August 8th -- will be ready for game action. Escobar suffered a setback in the minors just three weeks ago so it may take a postseason appearance for him to take the field again this season. Luis Valbuena will continue to man the hot corner for L.A.

With 7 home runs and a .319 wOBA on the year, Escobar is projected for 10 hits, 3 RBI and 4 runs over the remainder of the season.

According to the Seattle Times' Ryan Divish, Phelps' recovery time is six-to-eight weeks, and he's expected to go through a normal offseason throwing program. Since being acquired from the Miami Marlins, Phelps appeared in just 10 games, tallying a 2-1 record with three holds and a 2.70 FIP in 8 2/3 innings.

On the year, Phelps went 4-5 with 21 holds and a 3.55 FIP over 55 2/3 innings of work. He will look to continue his effectiveness next year at age 31.

It's likely just a routine day off for Aybar. Yangervis Solarte will move over to shortstop, and Carlos Asuaje rejoins the lineup.

For the rest of the season, our models project Aybar to hit .267 with 0 home runs, 3 runs, 3 RBIs, and 1 stolen base over 34 plate appearances.