Clayton Richard faced live hitters Tuesday for the first time since undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder last July. "It went well," said Richard, who threw for about eight minutes. "It's another step in getting ready for the season. It felt normal. It's good to throw to hitters. It's been awhile since I did that. It was nice to get that out of my system." Richard posted a 3.88 ERA and 53/38 K/BB ratio over 99 2/3 innings last season before undergoing surgery. Barring any setbacks, he should have a spot in the Padres' rotation.