Garrett Richards Out For Year With Torn Patellar Tendon

Photo Credit: Otto Greule Jr. – Getty Images

Editor’s Note: The following article was written on ESPN. Check it out HERE

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Garrett Richards will be out six to nine months after an MRI showed he suffered a torn left patellar tendon, the team announced Thursday.

Richards, who will be placed on the 60-day DL, is tentatively scheduled to undergo surgery next week. He sustained the injury Wednesday nightagainst the Red Sox while covering first base in the second inning.

First baseman Albert Pujols had fielded a ground ball by Brock Holt and thrown to second for a force play with Boston runners on first and second. Richards never made it to the bag, as he fell to the ground, clutching his left knee in pain.

Richards, who was taken off the field on a stretcher, flew back to Los Angeles on Thursday to be examined by team doctors.

“Obviously he’s very distraught,” Scioscia said after the Angels’ 8-3 win. “He knows that it’s not good.”

Richards took a 13-4 record and 2.53 ERA into Wednesday’s game in what has been a breakout season for the 26-year-old right-hander. He entered the game having struck out 100 batters in 100 1/3 innings since June 4 while posting a 1.79 ERA. Richards was tied with Felix Hernandez for the American League lead in batting average against.

This is another blow to the Angels’ starting rotation. Tyler Skaggs has already been lost to Tommy John surgery that will sideline him until the start of the 2016 season.

On Monday, the Angels took over sole possession of first place in the AL West for the first time since May 15, 2011.