SEATTLE —
A bullpen arm is almost assuredly on the way back. The immediate future for Garrett Richards, however, isn’t nearly as clear as Jose Castillo’s a day after both rehabbed with high Single-A Lake Elsinore.
The 31-year-old Richards struck out five over 2 2/3 scoreless innings but exited with shoulder tightness after visiting with a trainer on the mound. Richards was due to see doctors Tuesday in San Diego, but Padres manager Andy Green at least had reason to relay optimism, although not entirely unchecked, at the start of a two-game series against the Mariners.