Angels’ Garrett Richards making strides, but still has a long way to go in recovery

Garrett Richards carried his game of catch with Angels physical therapist Bernard Li out to 90 feet Thursday and tossed a baseball for 13 minutes. They started at 45 feet when Richards was cleared to resume throwing, and they step out 15 feet farther every couple days.

The right-hander’s recovery from a May ulnar collateral ligament tear in his elbow and subsequent stem-cell injection is all regimented. Richards revealed this week his hope to advance to a mound setting by the “third or fourth week of September.” He will then push to appear in instructional league games before they conclude in mid-October.

He said he does not feel he would need to pitch in a game more than two or three times, for two or three innings at a time. Even if he wanted to, it’s unlikely there would be time. But the Angels can apply for an exemption to allow him into the Arizona Fall League, where he’d also face more experienced hitters.

“If I feel like I need more and if they let me into the fall league, then great,” Richards said. “If I can get up and down two or three times, there’s no point in being stretched out to 100 pitches. I’m not interested in testing it at 120 pitches.”

Richards, 28, admitted to surprise that the injection of his body’s own cells worked as well as it currently appears. He mentioned he could envision himself undergoing further injections to keep the ligament healthy — perhaps as soon as this winter, if he pitches in games and feels fine.

Of course, if it doesn’t, he will undergo Tommy John surgery and aim for opening day 2018. That should significantly correlate with the Angels’ ability to contend next season, and could change their off-season approach.

“It feels as fresh as it ever has,” Richards said. “But I don’t want to get too caught up in feeling too good. I still have a long ways to go.”

Escobar out through the weekend

The Angels will almost assuredly remain without third baseman Yunel Escobar through this weekend’s series in Detroit. He was placed on the seven-day disabled list Saturday after suffering a concussion on a foul ball the night before in Anaheim. He’s eligible to return Saturday in Detroit but is unlikely to be activated until the Angels return home the following week to play Cincinnati.

“Yunel is getting over some of his initial soreness, but has to be evaluated as to when he can get back into physical activity,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “When that happens, you can start to map out when he might be ready.”

Escobar could require a short rehabilitation assignment. In his stead, rookie Kaleb Cowart has started four times at third base, with one hit each time.

Short hops

According a person who requested anonymity because of the nature of the issue, Jefry Marte missed the Angels’ series in Toronto because of a personal ailment. The infielder will join the team Friday in Detroit, against the team with whom he debuted as a major leaguer. … Right-hander Cory Rasmus has resumed throwing off a mound after July groin surgery. He could pitch in relief in September. … Surgery is being considered for right-hander Cam Bedrosian, who has a blood clot in his upper arm. If it is decided upon, he’ll miss the rest of the season. … The Angels announced they signed Daniel Ozoria, a shortstop from the Dominican Republic. He turned 16 on Wednesday.

pedro.moura@latimes.com

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