Garrett Richards Healing Well, Likely Ready by April

The Los Angels Times is reporting that not only is Garrett Richards recovering well from knee surgery, his recovery is on track to have ready by the start of the 2015 season this April. This is not just pie in the sky hopeful fanboy wishcasting. As gruesome as that kneecap injury was (trust me, you don't want to see it popping out of place on the Fenway infield in the slow-mo replay), the surgery and recovery are quite ordinary.

More than two months have passed since the August 20 injury and subsequent surgery. Richards is already riding a stationary bike and doing lite workout and agility drills at the Angels training complex in Tempe - this is where pitchers and catchers will report for Spring Training in mid-February. Barring a setback, and with the luxury of the season starting a little later than usual (opening day is in Anaheim on April 6 versus the AL Champion Royals), expect Garrett Richards to be on the opening day starting roster with the Halos.