Angels, Garrett Richards avoid arbitration at $6.425 million

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Angels have avoided arbitration with right-hander Garrett Richards, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $6,425,000.

Richards went 15-12 with a 3.65 ERA last season for the Angels. He also shined in his first year as a regular big league starter in 2014, going 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA before a season-ending knee injury.

Richards could be the Angels' opening day starter in April after longtime ace Jered Weaver's dismal 2015 performance and left-hander C.J. Wilson's recovery from elbow surgery.

The Angels offered $5.3 million when the sides exchanged proposed arbitration salaries Jan. 15, and Richards countered with $7.1 million. He made $3.2 million last year.

Richards won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2018 season.

Gold Glove right fielder Kole Calhoun is the Angels' only remaining player in arbitration.