page_title: Clayton Richard
section_title: San Diego Padres
hierarchical_section_title: Clayton Richard / Professional career / San Diego Padres
caption_attribution_description: Clayton Richard
context_page_description: Clayton Colby Richard is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox organization. He has played in Major League Baseball for the White Sox, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, and Toronto Blue Jays.
context_section_description: On July 31, 2009 Richard was traded along with Aaron Poreda, Adam Russell and Dexter Carter to the San Diego Padres for 2007 Cy Young Award-winner Jake Peavy.
  Richard made his first start for the Padres on August 1, 2009, recording no decision in 5​²⁄₃ innings at home against the Milwaukee Brewers.  Richard compiled a 5–2 record with a 4.08 ERA over 12 starts in his partial season with the Padres.
  Richard started 33 games for the Padres in 2010, building a 14–9 record and a 3.75 ERA over 201​²⁄₃ innings.  On September 21, 2010 Richard threw his first career shutout, giving up eight hits, two walks, and recording six strikeouts in a win against the Los Angeles Dodgers along with a golden sombrero at the plate, striking out four times.
  In 2011, Richard regressed slightly, posting a 5–9 record with a 3.88 ERA while his strikeout-to-walk ratio dropped to 1.39 K/BB from 1.93 K/BB in 2010.  A left shoulder strain forced Richard to the disabled list in July and later required arthroscopic surgery, ending his season.
  In 2012, Richard resumed his role in the Padres starting rotation. At the end of the season, he was the unanimous pick as the Padres Pitcher of the Year by writers covering the team. He had a 14–14 record with a 3.99 earned run average. His 33 starts were tied for second in the National League (NL) and he was fourth with ​218 ²⁄₃ innings pitched.
  On February 16, 2013, Richard and the Padres avoided going to arbitration, both sides agreeing on a $5.24 million deal for one season.
  Richard opened 2013 as the Padres number 2 starter, but had a rough beginning to the season, posting an 8.54 ERA in his first six starts.  An intestinal virus forced Richard to push back a start in late April, and he was then placed on the disabled list on May 5 when the virus flared up again. Richard returned on May 27, but continued to struggle.  On June 1, Richard pitched 2 innings in relief to earn his first win of the season in a 17 inning affair against the Blue Jays that the Padres won 4–3. On June 21, Richard injured his left shoulder and left the game after making only two pitches. He underwent shoulder surgery on July 15, ending his 2013 season. He finished with a 2–5 record in 11 starts with a 7.01 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 52​²⁄₃ innings. On October 28, 2013, he refused an outright assignment and elected free agency.
  Richard underwent Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery in February 2014.
caption: Richard in 2010
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