Angels leaning on Jepsen, Kohn, Richards

ANAHEIM -- With Ryan Madson and Sean Burnett still recovering from injuries, and not expected to return any time soon, the Angels' hopes of an improved bullpen could hinge greatly on the three live right arms of Kevin Jepsen, Michael Kohn and Garrett Richards.

Jepsen (28), Kohn (26) and Richards (25) are the bridge to closer Ernesto Frieri and the ones that can allow Mike Scioscia to use his only lefty reliever, Scott Downs, a lot more freely. Jepsen, who has emerged as Scioscia's primary setup man, hasn't allowed an earned run since April 9. Kohn has a 0.94 WHIP in 21 appearances. And though Richards has been inconsistent in his return to the 'pen, he hasn't allowed a run in seven of his last nine outings.

Most uplifting of all: They each boast overpowering stuff.

"We try to push each other," Richards said. "If our starters can get us through six innings or so, we feel like we can hold down the last three. We have a lot of confidence right now, and we're just going to keep pushing each other."