Garrett Richards to start in Triple-A before Angels decide on return

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Los Angeles Angels right-hander Garrett Richards thinks he is ready to get the new season started eight months after knee surgery ruined his breakout year.

The Angels believe Richards needs just a bit more work before his big comeback.

Richards will start for Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday before the Angels decide when he'll return to their rotation, manager Mike Scioscia says.

Before the Angels' home opener against Kansas City on Friday, Richards said he feels "like I'm ready to go" after a strong practice outing in Arizona.

The hard-throwing Richards went 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA before tearing a tendon in his left knee while covering first base in August. He will be a key starter again for the Angels, the defending AL West champions.