Garces joins the Bluefish staff during his 28th year of professional baseball. Since 2008, he has been coaching in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (VPBL) and Mexican Baseball League (MBL). He served as the Pitching Coach for the Zulia Eagles (VPBL) from 2008 to 2012, Pitching Coach for the Monclova Steelers (MBL) in 2013, and Bullpen Coach for the Caracas Lions (VPBL) from 2015 to 2016. He is currently serving as Pitching Coach for Caracas. This will be his first season in the Atlantic League and third in Independent baseball, having played for the Nashua Pride of the Can-Am League alongside Bluefish Manager Luis Rodriguez in 2007 and 2008.

The 45-year-old began his playing career in 1988 after being signed by the Minnesota Twins as an undrafted free agent. He spent his first seven seasons with the Twins organization, making his Major League debut in 1990. He has also appeared with the Chicago Cubs, Florida Marlins, and Boston Red Sox, which he called home for seven consecutive seasons from 1996 to 2002. Rich, commonly referred to as "El Guapo," made 287 big league appearances. He owns a 23-10 record with a 3.74 ERA and 296 strikeouts in 341.1 innings pitched.

Across his 19-year playing career, Rich has made 644 career minor league appearances. He owns 42 victories with a 3.64 ERA and 915 strikeouts in 980.0 innings.