Cole Hamels, 32, has changed his approach on the mound to remain successful in the American League with the Texas Rangers.

The Rangers acquired Hamels at midseason in 2015 and raced toward the AL West title. They have won 15 of his 17 starts.

Hamels has mixed things up since leaving the Philadelphia Phillies. He has increased the frequency he throws his cut fastball and curveball. His average fastball velocity is down from 93.6 mph to 92.6 mph, but he has countered that by changing speeds and throwing more two-seam fastballs.

"The league is a little more power-driven," Hamels said. "So you're not really necessarily going to be able to sneak four-seam fastballs by as much. Especially when you're not able to get the zip or locate."

Acknowledging that even after 10 seasons he's still learning, Hamels noted, "I think the big thing I learned last year was learning to use both sides of the plate, not only with cutters but with sinkers and changeups, curveballs. I think it was a little bit more fun, just learning that I could do it. I never really had to try to do it [in the NL]."