ANAHEIM, Calif. — Garrett Richards believes he's ready for a regular spot in the Angels' crowded rotation, even after ace Jered Weaver returns from injury.

He'll get no argument from the Arizona Diamondbacks, who managed only four hits in eight innings against him in a 2-0 loss to Los Angeles on Sunday.

Less than 24 hours after Ervin Santana's one-hitter against Arizona Saturday night, Richards (2-0) was nearly as good.

"Most of the guys getting on the base were saying, 'Man, where did this kid come from?' " said Angels first baseman Albert Pujols. "He's so young, and he's already got the stuff, which is good, because you can't teach that."

The 24-year-old Richards has capitalized on a chance to start while Weaver recovers from back pain.

Despite occasional lapses in control, Richards has thrown 12 straight scoreless innings. The 2009 first-round draft pick from the University of Oklahoma has allowed two earned runs in 21 innings. His earned-run average is 0.86.

"I'm up here to take advantage of my opportunities," he said. "I feel that I'm ready to stick here and help this team win."

Notes

• Struggling Nationals reliever Brad Lidge was designated for assignment. Lidge, 35, helped the Phillies win the 2008 World Series by going the entire regular season and postseason without a blown save. He has 225 career saves.

• The Phillies' Jim Thome hit his 608th career homer, becoming the fourth player to hit at least 100 for three different teams. He also did it for the Indians and White Sox. The others are Reggie Jackson (Angels, A's, Yankees), Darrel Evans (Braves, Giants, Tigers) and Alex Rodriguez (Mariners, Rangers, Yankees).