Richards (elbow) hopes to throw from a mound at some point next week or the following week, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richards is making good progress in his recovery from a torn UCL, having resumed throwing in mid-August and already extending his long toss sessions to 120 feet. Richards will not pitch again for the Angels this season, but if things keep going as planned, it seems likely he will be able to stave off a surgical procedure that at this point would likely cost him the entire 2017 season.

Richards (elbow) played catch from 90 feet Thursday, Pedro Moura of the LA Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Over the last week, Richards has steadily increased his throwing distance by 15 feet per session. Although it's promising that Richards says his arm feels normal, he still has a long way to go. His current goal is to throw off a mound by mid-September, then pitch with one of the Angels' minor league affiliates before the season comes to a close.

Richards (elbow) was cleared to begin throwing Monday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the news that Richards's elbow has steadily improved to the point that he begin throwing is promising, it doesn't rule out the possibility of Tommy John surgery. He'll begin a throwing program in the coming days, working up to the point where he can pitch in a game and determine if surgery will be necessary.

Richards (elbow) had a successful stem-cell injection and will have an ultrasound in 10 days to determine if he can begin throwing, Fabian Ardaya of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richards said Wednesday that "we're not out of the woods yet, but today's a good day," after an exam showed more healing of his elbow. The Angels plan to put the elbow under stress tests during the next two weeks before having the ultrasound. Billy Eppler, GM of the Angels, said that the deadline to decide on Richards undergoing Tommy John surgery will be November 1, and Richards himself has said that he needs to pitch somewhere before deciding if he can avoid the surgery. Richards will still be out the rest of the 2016 season, but this is positive news for the right-hander.

Richards (elbow) will have his UCL examined Wednesday, and if all goes well he could resume throwing, Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richards UCL will be examined to test how effective his stem-cell therapy has been. If the exam is positive he will be on track to throw again, which will likely be followed by a rehab start at some point. While there is no clear timetable in the short term, there is reason to be optimistic.

Richards (elbow) underwent an evaluation and was asymptomatic but will rest for six more weeks, Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

It appears that the stem-cell therapy Richards underwent in May is having a positive effect, and Richards's season may not actually be lost to Tommy John surgery as was once thought. He will likely need a long rehab assignment even if he is able to go after six more weeks of rest, however, so a late July or early August return is about as optimistic a prognosis as this news can allow.

Richards (elbow) has chosen not to undergo Tommy John surgery and instead will receive a platelet-rich plasma shot, Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richards choice to treat his UCL tear via a non-surgical route is similar to Andrew Heaney's rehab method as they will both receive platelet-rich plasma shots to expedite their healing processes. While surgery remains on the table for the 27-year-old if the platelet treatment doesn't work out, it would reduce his shelf time to about two months compared to the entire season if it is successful.

Richards (elbow) was placed on the 60-day DL on Tuesday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

The move is purely a procedural one, as Richards has all but been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a high-grade UCL tear. The Angels acquired Brendan Ryan via the Nationals earlier Tuesday, so he'll occupy the 40-man roster spot cleared by this move.

Richards was placed on the 15-day DL retroactive to May 2 on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Richards has been diagnosed with a high-grade UCL tear, and will seek a second opinion. Unfortunately, it seems that Tommy John surgery will be the most likely outcome. While he has only been placed on the 15-day DL, he will almost certainly miss the remainder of the season.

Richards has been diagnosed with a high-grade UCL tear, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander will seek a second opinion, but Tommy John surgery seems inevitable, and given the reported severity of the tear, it's possible Richards' recovery could push well beyond the usual 12-month minimum. Cory Rasmus is starting in place of Richards on Friday in what figures to amount to a bullpen game for the Angels.