Richards (biceps) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Friday, Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the bullpen consisted of all fastballs, Richards was nonetheless optimistic coming out of the session, saying that he is certain he will pitch for the Angels before the season is over. He will presumably return as a starter, although the team could expedite Richards' return by having him prepare for a bullpen role.

Richards (biceps) will throw off a mound Friday, Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Team doctors presented Richards with the positive news Thursday that he's been cleared to throw from the mound for the first time since suffering his bicep injury on April 5 against the Athletics. It's an important rehab milestone for the 29-year-old who appears to be on track to rejoin the Angels' rotation in the not-too-distant future.

Richards (biceps) began throwing at 150-200 feet Tuesday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richards continues to battle back from the bicep injury that landed him on the disabled list at the onset of the 2017 season. He began playing catch roughly two weeks ago and has recently advanced his rehab regimen to full long toss. He hopes to begin throwing from a mound in the coming days, which would be another key milestone in his recovery. Though he's making solid progress, Richards remains without a firm timetable for return.

Richards (biceps) was able to play catch Thursday and Friday, marking a return to the field following his meeting with an independent neurologist last week, Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richards will begin to ramp up his recovery as he figures to throw from longer distances over the next couple days. He still has about a month to go, but this was the first real sign of progress from the right-hander since landing on the DL in early April.

Richards (biceps) went to see an independent neurologist Friday, which resulted in the detection of improvement within his irritated nerve, Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The next step in the process revolves around the decision of team doctors, since it is their call to determine when Richards is able to start throwing. Although the neurologist found that the irritation has not completely vanished, this news comes as positive for the right-hander as he may finally be cleared to throw. There will likely be news surrounding the decision of the team doctors within the next few days, but Richards is still likely out until mid-August even if he is able to begin tossing the ball around.

Richards (biceps) is scheduled to undergo a thorough exam Monday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

The exam should provide a good barometer of how well Richards is recovery from biceps nerve irritation, a condition that has prevented him from throwing for the last three months. If doctors determine that Richards is healing as anticipated, he could finally receive clearance to resume playing catch off flat ground. Considering the length of Richards' absence, it will likely take at least a month for him to complete any throwing program, so a mid-August return from the 60-day disabled list would seem to be the best-case scenario at this time.

Richards (biceps) is scheduled for a full evaluation next week and could be cleared to throw if all goes well, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Even so, Richards would still require a couple weeks of long toss and bullpen sessions before he will even be able to embark on a rehab assignment. It's good that Richards continues to show progress, but he will still likely be out until mid-August.

Richards' cutaneous nerve in his right biceps remains irritated, and he said he's aiming for a return to major-league action in August, Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richards at one point said "September, if anything, maybe" but clarified he wants to come back the month before that. The right-hander has been lifting 20-pound curls with his right biceps and 35 with his left, and he can't pick up a baseball until they match in strength. It may take him time to return to form even if he does come back this year, but his big fastball and groundball-friendly approach make him worth stashing in deep leagues with hope that he at least proves competent.

Richards (biceps) was placed on the 60-day DL on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Richards' biceps have been slow to heal and a recent examination revealed that he was dealing with nerve irritation as well. Richards has yet to resume throwing and hadn't been expected to be back in action anytime soon. However, landing on the 60-day disabled list will keep him out until at least early June.

Richards is progressing as he recovers from a biceps strain but has not been cleared to throw, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Expect Richards to need multiple bullpen sessions before he is even considered for a rehab assignment. Richards isn't dealing with any structural issues, but that hasn't helped the Angels get him back on track. He is likely at least another two weeks from returning, with another month away from the mound more realistic.