Angels, Garrett Richards avoid arbitration with $6.4 million deal

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Angels have avoided arbitration with right-hander Garrett Richardsbyagreeing to a one-year deal worth $6.425 million for the upcoming season.

Richards went 15-12 with a 3.65 ERA for the Angels the past season. He also shined in 2014, his first year as a regular big league starter, as he went 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA before a season-ending knee injury.

Richards could be the Angels' opening day starter in April, after longtime ace Jered Weaver's dismal 2015 performance and left-hander C.J. Wilson's recovery from elbow surgery.

The Angels offered $5.3 million last week, and Richards countered with $7.1 million. He made $3.2 million last year.

Richards won't be a free agent until after the 2018 season.

Gold Glove right fielder Kole Calhoun is the Angels' only remaining arbitration-eligible player.