Garrett Richards’ surgically repaired patella tendon responded well after the right-hander’s first start of the season, a 4-3 loss to the Astros on Sunday.

Richards gave up four runs — three earned — in 5 1/3 innings, threw 100 pitches and his velocity reached the mid-90s. Most importantly, he reported no soreness on Monday.

“We’re relieved that there’s nothing there,” Scioscia said. “Sometimes there’s a little more adrenaline when you’re pitching a major league game and maybe you’re throwing a tick harder, which he was yesterday, than in his rehab starts. And that’s a good thing, but you just want to make sure you can have it OK, and he was fine.”

The 26-year-old breakout star was in contention for the American League Cy Young award last season when he tore the patella tendon in his left knee Aug. 20 after posting a career-best 13-4 record and 2.61 ERA.