Garrett Richards is one step closer to returning from the season-ending knee injury he suffered last season.
Alden Gonzalez, the Angels beat reporter for MLB.com, is reporting that the Los Angeles Angels' starting pitcher has been given the go-ahead by doctors to begin throwing. Richards' first bullpen session is schedule for Monday
This is fantastic news for an Angels starting rotation that suffered greatly down the stretch after Richards went down with the torn patellar tendon in his left knee. Richards arguably was the Angels' best starter in 2014 by recording a 13-4 record with a 2.61 ERA in 26 starts.
#Angels doctors cleared Garrett Richards today. He can throw his first bullpen on Monday, three days before he was hoping to.
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) February 12, 2015
Last month, general manager Jerry Dipoto said he's optimistic Richards can return for opening day, April 6, when the Angels take the field against the Seattle Mariners.
When Richards does return, he'll be doing so only on the one-year deal worth $3.2 million he signed earlier this month to avoid abritration. The starting pitcher is arbitration eligible again next season.
You coming or what? #Road2Tempe pic.twitter.com/ocJJkfTMpt
— Angels (@Angels) February 12, 2015
