Angels' Garret Richards says elbow feels '100 percent normal'

ANAHEIM, Calif. --Los Angeles Angelsright-hander Garrett Richards played catch Monday for the first time since being diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament on May 6.

Richards has been getting stem cell treatments in hopes of avoiding Tommy John surgery. He made 25 throws from 45 feet without pain.

Richards says "everything felt 100 percent normal."

Richards began a strength program after imaging showed healing in the ligament. He had more imaging Monday morning and was then cleared to begin a throwing program. He's aiming to be healthy for spring training next season.

Richards is 1/3 with a 2.34 ERA in six starts this season and was 15-12 with a 3.65 ERA in 32 starts in 2015.