Garrett Richards receives plasma injection for elbow

Angels ace Garrett Richards may be able to avoid Tommy John surgery on his elbow.

The Angels pitcher received a plasma injection on Friday, according to the OC Register. The plasma injection is supposed to be the final step in Richards being cleared for spring training next season.

Richards posted a 2.34 ERA in six starts this season, but he did not pitch after May 1 because of elbow problems. The team later discovered the talented right-hander has a torn UCL in his elbow, which typically requires Tommy John surgery.

However, the Angels decided to treat the injury with stem-cell treatment and plasma injections.

Richards was cleared in August to begin a throwing program, and he has been pitching in instructional league games this month. He was able to touch 96 mph in his Thursday outing, which is a great sign about his recovery.

Richards, 28, emerged as an ace for the Angels in 2014, as he posted a 2.61 ERA that season and a 3.65 ERA last season. The Angels are likely to be without another one of their young starters, Andrew Heaney, next season, as he underwent Tommy John surgery in June.