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By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – Garrett Richards credits one change for his rapid evolution into an elite starting pitcher with the Los Angeles Angels.
”I got a job,” he says.
Richards is getting a regular turn in the Angels’ rotation this year after several seasons of instability, and the hard-throwing right-hander has become one of the AL’s most effective starters and an All-Star candidate.
Richards always had the stuff for the job, with a vicious cut fastball headlining his strong selection of power pitches. But a consistent role has allowed Richards to focus on details and consistency, building on past performances to go 7-2 with a 2.79 ERA.
His other numbers are even more impressive: Opponents are batting just .206 against Richards, and they’ve only hit two homers off him all season.
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