Garrett Richards’ reconstructed elbow is two years old this month. As far as mileage, the 32-year-old right-hander has only two big-league starts on the new ligament. The bumpiest part of the ride back to form just might be behind him, perhaps one silver lining during this COVID-19 delayed start to the season.
“I’ve talked to some guys that say the first year back it’s a roller coaster of feeling good for a little while and then maybe some tendinitis or flaring up and then having to deal with that,” Richards said Tuesday afternoon. “I’m getting close to the two-year mark.