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Apr 14, 2016 - 10:52 PM The Los Angeles Angles hope to see big things from Garrett Richards a year removed from a major knee injury, but he's still seeking his first victory.

That could change in an opportune matchup with a light-hitting Minnesota Twins team that will try to put an end to the worst start by any club in 13 years.

As Richards looks to contribute to Los Angeles' hot rotation, the Angels seek a fifth straight win Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Target Field.

Richards began last season on the disabled list while he recovered from a repaired torn left patellar tendon. The right-hander showed flashes of his previous brilliance, finishing with a 3.65 ERA and 176 strikeouts in 32 starts in 2015.

A full season removed from the surgery and coming off a strong spring training, Richards was named the Angels' opening day starter in hopes he could return to the form that led him to going 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA in 26 starts in 2014.

Richards, however, has gotten off to an uneven start. He allowed three runs while walking three over five innings in a season-opening 9-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs before giving up four over 6 2-3 innings in Saturday's 4-1 loss to Texas.

Los Angeles starters own a 1.82 ERA during a four-game winning streak. Matt Shoemaker gave up one hit over six scoreless innings Wednesday when the Angels (5-4) swept the first stop on this 10-game road swing with a 5-1 victory at Oakland.

"You can see things happening that are lining us up to be that team that we can be, but we have a long way to go," manager Mike Scioscia told MLB's official website.

Richards has fared well versus Minnesota, going 2-1 with a 2.63 ERA with 17 strikeouts over three career starts. Miguel Sano, Danny Santana, Eddie Rosario and Brian Dozier are a combined 3 for 24 (.125) in this matchup.

The Twins have totaled 14 runs while becoming the first team to lose its first nine games since Detroit on the way to a 43-119 record in 2003. It's also the franchise's worst start since dropping their first 13 as the Washington Senators in 1904.

Joe Mauer, one of two regulars hitting above .185, tripled and scored the only run on Trevor Plouffe's RBI groundout in Thursday's 3-1 home loss to the Chicago White Sox.

''We're all frustrated," Plouffe said. "You can't hide that. It's probably about the worst-case scenario for us to start a season, and we know that."

The Twins hope to break through for left-hander Tommy Milone, who allowed four runs and two home runs over 4 2-3 innings in Saturday's 7-0 loss at Kansas City. Milone had been 3-0 with a 2.61 ERA over his prior five starts versus Los Angeles before giving up five runs in 1 1-3 innings of an 11-8 home loss in September.

Mike Trout started slow (5 for 27) but had three hits Wednesday. Kole Calhoun also had three, giving him a .440 average over a seven-game hitting streak.

The Twins won't have three-time All-Star closer Glen Perkins because of an ailing shoulder. Former Angels reliever Kevin Jepsen is expected to take over the duties.

Outfielder Byron Buxton is likely out after getting hit by a pitch on his hand.

Minnesota has lost 12 of 14 meetings, including seven of eight at Target Field.






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