What It Means:

Richards has been shut down for six weeks after getting something similar to a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow. He was set to miss most, if not all, of the 2017 season even if he had the surgery right now, so it's worth a try if Richards can avoid surgery. Of course, things could always change if the rehab process doesn't work out.

Richards holds a 2.34 ERA and 22.97 strikeout percentage in 34 2/3 innings this season. He's 1-3 through six starts.