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Garrett Richards expected to have Tommy John surgery, per Passan

Jeff Passan writes that Angels starter Garrett Richards has a torn UCL and is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery

By Adam J. Morris
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards has a torn UCL that is expected to require Tommy John surgery, according to Jeff Passan.

This news leaves the Angels starting pitching in a complete mess, as Andrew Heaney is on the disabled list, and Passan says that Heaney has a "damaged UCL" that he is rehabbing "with hopes of avoiding Tommy John" surgery.  C.J. Wilson is also on the disabled list, and Jered Weaver has a 5.40 ERA in 28.1 IP, on the heels of a 4.64 ERA, 159 IP season last year.

The Angels website currently lists just four starting pitchers -- Richards, Weaver, Hector Santiago and Nick Tropeano.  With a very thin farm system, the Angels are short on internal options to fill in, and may have to be aggressive in pursuing free agent pitchers Tim Lincecum and Kyle Lohse, who are apparently doing showcases in an effort to get major league jobs.

UPDATE -- Multiple folks on Twitter are confirming that Richards will need TJS.