Los Angeles Angels pitcher Garrett Richards (elbow) has been cleared to begin a throwing program.
In hopes to avoid Tommy John surgery, Richards has opted to receive stem-cell injections. The Angels claim he has displayed "significant improvement" in his elbow, and while he still hasn't been given the green light, there is optimism the 28-year-old right-hander will be ready for the instructional or fall leagues.
Richards holds a career-best 2.34 ERA and 22.97 strikeout percentage in 34 2/3 innings this season. He's 1-3 through six starts.
Source: Rotoworld.com