Richards 2-3 weeks from throwing off mound

ANAHEIM — Garrett Richards is on track to begin pitching off a mound within two or three weeks, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said on Friday. It’s a positive development for Richards and the organization, as the right-hander has not thrown off a mound since he suffered a right elbow ligament injury in early May.

“I think Garrett’s goal is to come into Spring Training knowing that he’s 100 percent,” Scioscia said before Friday’s series opener against the Rangers.

Once he pitches off a mound, Richards and the Angels hope he can progress enough to pitch in the Instructional League at some point in October.

“I think that would be something that might give him a little more certainty as to where he is,” Scioscia said. “We’ll see how this process goes. We’re very excited any time he’s going to get off a mound.”

Shoemaker to visit Angels soon

The Angels also had a positive update on pitcher Matt Shoemaker, who has returned home from the Seattle hospital where he underwent emergency surgery after being struck in the head by a line drive on Sunday. Shoemaker returned home on Wednesday and is said to be resting comfortably. He’s planning to visit the Angels during their 10-game homestand, which began on Friday.

“Everything seems to be going in the right direction,” Scioscia said. “We’re happy about that for sure.”

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