When the Los Angeles Angels scratched Garrett Richards Thursday from his scheduled start Friday, citing dehydration and fatigue, few thought his injury status was serious. They were wrong.
According to Yahoo Sports, Richards has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and is expected to need Tommy John surgery, which would end his season.
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Richards, 27, is a hard-throwing right-handed starting pitcher who is 1-3 with a 2.34 ERA so far this season. It is reported Richards will seek a second opinion because he hasn't been feeling significant pain in his elbow.
Adding to the Angels' pitching staff woes is the report Andrew Heaney has UCL damage. He is trying to rehab to avoid Tommy John surgery as well.
Heaney burst onto the scene last year by posting a 6-4 record with a 3.49 ERA in 18 starts. Losing Richards and Heaney long-term would be devastating for the Angels.
What's more, veteran lefty C.J. Wilson was transferred to the 60-day disabled list earlier this week as he continues to battle a shoulder issue. Wilson, 35, isn't expected back until at least mid-June.