Garrett Richards injury update: Angels P has ‘significant’ patellar tendon injury

Aug 20, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards (43) is taken off the field on a stretcher during the second inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards (43) is taken off the field on a stretcher during the second inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards went down with an injury in the second inning of Wednesday night’s game against the Boston Red Sox.

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The Angels went on to defeat the Red Sox, 8-3, but Richards’ injury put a damper on celebration.

As Richards attempted to cover first base, he fell to the ground in obvious pain and had to be tended to by the team’s medical staff before being taken off of the field on a stretcher.

According to Angels manager Mike Scioscia, Richards suffered a “significant” patellar tendon injury. 

From MLB.com:

"Obviously he’s very distraught,” Scioscia said to MLB.com. “He knows that it’s not good, and we’ll get some direction from our medical staff.”"

Jered Weaver, who said he heard Richards scream from the dugout, seemed to be equally as discouraged about the injury as his manager.

“It doesn’t look too good for him,” Weaver said. “He’s been our guy all year. He’s been that guy you count on to get deep in games and pull out a victory. To have something like that happen is obviously a crushing blow to any team. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, and hopefully it doesn’t turn out as bad as everyone thinks it is.”

Richards is scheduled to fly to Los Angeles to undergo further medical evaluation from the team’s staff. 

The Angels currently hold a narrow lead over the Oakland Athletics in the American League West, but losing Richards will be a big blow to their starting rotation. Richards currently has a 13-4 record and a 2.61 ERA.