CHICAGO -- Los Angeles Angels ace Garrett Richards hopes to begin throwing next week as he seeks to avoid Tommy John surgery.
Richards, a right-hander, last pitched May 1 and was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament five days later. He won't pitch again this season, but he has been undergoing stem-cell treatments in the hopes of avoiding surgery that would sideline him through the 2017 season.
Richards was optimistic following a workout at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, saying he feels "completely normal" and has "zero discomfort" in his arm.
If an imaging scan Monday produces good news, Richards will begin playing catch. That could lead to bullpen sessions next month and then a stint in the instructional or fall league.
Richards, 28, is 1-3 with a 2.34 ERA in six starts.