Richards took the loss in Monday's exhibition game against the Angels, hurling 4.2 innings and allowing one unearned run on five hits and one walk while striking out five.

EDGE Analysis

Richards' own first-inning error led to the only run of the game, but the right-hander was otherwise sharp against his former team. The 32-year-old should pitch without limitations this season and is scheduled to make his first start Sunday at home against Arizona.

Richards is unlikely to have limitations on his workload during the truncated 2020 campaign, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richards hurled only 8.2 major-league frames last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July of 2018. However, the shortening of the regular season to 60 games effectively renders any need for an innings limitation unnecessary. Richards will look to get his career back on track in the middle of the Padres' starting rotation, but durability concerns remain as the 32-year-old has not surpassed 100 big-league innings since the 2015 campaign.

Richards maintained full health throughout spring training, Bill Center of FriarWire reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richards pitched only three big-league innings last season following a lengthy recovery from Tommy John surgery. However, he is expected to fill a key role in the middle of San Diego's rotation this season as long as his arm holds up. All signs have been positive thus far; Richards' fastball hit the mid-90s in Cactus League play and "the bite was back to his lethal slider," per Center. The right-hander's spring numbers also give the Padres reason to be excited -- he held opponents scoreless over 5.1 innings while posting a 6:1 K:BB.

Richards hurled 3.1 innings in a Cactus League start against the Dodgers on Monday, allowing one unearned run on four hits and one walk while striking out four.

EDGE Analysis

Richards has now hurled 5.1 frames this spring without allowing an earned run. He has also struck out six batters while touching the upper-90s with his fastball. Though he has dealt with numerous injuries during his career, Richards has a solid track record of success in the majors and could challenge for the role of staff ace if he is able to stay healthy.

Richards pitched two scoreless innings in a Cactus League start against Milwaukee on Tuesday, allowing one hit and striking out two. He sat in the 96-97 mph range with his fastball, per Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

EDGE Analysis

The Padres took a gamble on Richards when they signed him to a two-year deal late in 2018 with with the knowledge that most of 2019 would be spent recovering from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander struggled in three major-league outings last season, but he appears to be fully healthy heading into the 2020 campaign and could boost an already-promising rotation if his arm holds up. Wednesday's radar gun readings are in line with the 95.8 mph average he posted with his fastball prior to his surgery in 2018.

Richards is not expected to face an innings restriction in 2020, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Padres signed Richards to a two-year contract in 2018 despite his ongoing recovery from Tommy John surgery. The veteran returned to action late in 2019, allowing eight earned runs in 8.2 innings. Richards is expected to fill a spot in San Diego's starting rotation in 2020.

Richards allowed a run on one hit and four walks over 3.1 innings in a no-decision Saturday versus the Diamondbacks. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

Richards, who missed most of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery, only threw 58 pitches (29 strikes) in the abbreviated outing. It was the cleanest of his three outings this year. The 31-year-old will likely return to a full starter's workload next year.

Richards allowed four runs on four hits and two walks over 1.2 innings Sunday, striking out two batters in the extra-innings win over Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

All four runs scored that Richards allowed came during a disastrous second inning, including a two-run homer by Adam Jones. He's given up seven runs in 5.1 innings of work this season after returning from Tommy John surgery. Assuming he makes another appearance this season, Richards will see the Diamondbacks on the road next weekend.

Richards (0-1) gave up three runs on five hits and no walks while striking out five through 3.2 innings to take the loss against the Brewers on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Richards had only allowed one run going into the fourth inning when he gave up three hits and two runs before he was removed from the game. The 31-year-old earned 20 called strikes on his 61 pitches and had an encouraging performance for his first start back from Tommy John surgery. Richards is scheduled to make his next start Sunday against the Diamondbacks at Petco Park.

Richards (elbow) was activated as expected ahead of his season debut start Monday against Milwaukee.

EDGE Analysis

Richards is ready to go after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He's only reached four innings in his rehab appearances, so he'll likely be on some sort of pitch count for his first start of the year. The veteran owns a career 3.54 ERA over parts of eight major-league seasons, thought it's unclear what to expect in his first few outings following a long absence.