Hamels stresses command as playoffs near

HOUSTON — A few weeks ago, Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Hamels had pushed his way to the forefront for the American League Cy Young Award.

At that point, Hamels was 14-4 with a league-leading 2.67 ERA, and he had every right to be thinking about the possibility of being the first Rangers pitcher to win the award. Now he has other things on his mind as he gets ready to pitch against the Athletics on Friday night as the Rangers close in on the AL West title.

“My main focus is on the postseason and maintaining health,” Hamels said. “That’s what you want — to remain healthy and make sure that everything is in sync. And just making sure that we have our purpose behind us with understanding what it takes to get to the postseason and be successful in the postseason.”

A couple of rough starts certainly didn’t help Hamels’ Cy Young candidacy. They came in back-to-back outings against the Mariners when he allowed a combined 13 runs in six innings.

Hamels was better in his last start against the Angels, allowing two runs on four hits in six innings — although he was perturbed by four walks.

“I was able to get to back to trying to get as deep into a ballgame as possible,” Hamels said. “I wasn’t as happy with …

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