Padres eyeing late-August return for Richards

CHICAGO -- Garrett Richards' road back from Tommy John surgery has become much clearer in the last week as the 31-year-old right-hander saw his first game action since undergoing the procedure in July 2018.

Richards threw two innings for the Arizona League Padres on Wednesday, allowing one run on two hits and striking out three batters. He threw both of his fastballs, slider and curveball. His fastball sat between 93-95 mph, according to Padres manager Andy Green.

"He felt great. He was pumped up after [his outing], and he's hungry to get back," Green said. "He's on a relatively quick path, all things considered, starting a rehab [assignment] now."

Richards' return could act like a Trade Deadline move for Padres general manager A.J. Preller and Co., as the team looks to make additions with the National League Wild Card race heating up and still well within reach.

San Diego's plan for Richards is to have a 30-day rehab stint, which would potentially put him on pace to return with the club toward the end of August. While the Padres are thrilled at the possibility of having one of their key free-agent signings returning, they will continue to be cautiously optimistic.

"Lot of steps in between, and if we have to extend that rehab for his sake, we'll do that," Green said. "But Garrett is a guy we were excited to sign in the offseason, and I think he's going to be a big part of our club next year and maybe even this year."