Angels don't expect SP Garrett Richards to be ready by Opening Day

Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia said the team doesn't expect injured starting pitcher Garrett Richards to be ready to return by Opening Day. Richards tore the patella tendon in his left knee in August.

Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia said the team doesn't expect injured starting pitcher Garrett Richards to be ready to return by Opening Day, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

Scioscia said the Angels hope Richards can return within the first six weeks of the season.

Richards tore the patella tendon in his left knee while attempting to cover first base in a game against the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 20. It was said at the time that Richards would miss six to nine months, keeping him out until sometime between mid-March and mid-May.

Richards was having the best season of his career before the injury, going 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA and a 3.2 K/BB ratio in 26 starts. He had a 4.42 ERA in 29 starts and 84 total games in the three previous seasons.

• CORCORAN: Rebuild necessary for A's after failed 2014

The Angels' rotation finished sixth in the American League last season with a 3.62 ERA. Richards' ERA was the best among Los Angeles' starters, with Matt Shoemaker second at 3.04.

It was reported on Sunday that fellow starter C.J. Wilson is available in a trade.

The Angels went 98-64 last season and won the American League West, making the playoffs for the first time since 2009. They were eliminated in the ALDS by the Kansas City Royals.

•​ JAFFE: Aggressive White Sox retool with Samardzija, Robertson

- Ben Estes