Heaney opts for rehab amid reports of UCL damage

The Los Angeles Angels' pitching woes went from bad to worse Friday after the club revealed that left-hander Andrew Heaney will rehab his ailing elbow in hopes of avoiding reconstructive surgery.

The news came just hours after it was reported that ace Garrett Richards is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the remainder of the season.

"(He's) opting for conservative care like other pitchers have done," Angels general manager Billy Eppler told the Orange County Register's Jeff Fletcher on Friday.

Eppler noted that multiple doctors reviewed Heaney's medicals, and their findings ranged from "normal wear and tear" to "some degree of tear," according to Fletcher.

Heaney, 24, who was on the disabled list with what was listed as a strained flexor muscle, hasn't pitched in a game since April 5. Shortly after Richards' news was announced, multiple sources told Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan that Heaney was rehabbing in order to avoid Tommy John surgery.

A potential loss of both Heaney and Richards for the long term would play a huge factor in the team's potential contention in the competitive American League West.

L.A. is already without veteran C.J Wilson, who's on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, as well as decreased velocity from Jered Weaver and the recent demotion of Matt Shoemaker.

Heaney, a former Miami Marlins first-round draft choice has only made one start for the Angels this season, after making 18 in 2015, and owns a career ERA of 4.09 in 26 appearances, 24 of which have been starts.