The Pirates are working with Richard to break the bad habits he developed while pitching with thoracic outlet syndrome, the team's official website reports. Pitching coach Ray Searage is looking for Richard to smooth out and consistently repeat his delivery. "He's strong as an ox. Just got to work on a couple things," Searage said. "He's in protection mode. He knows that old feeling of when he felt the pain, the body goes into 9-1-1." Richard will likely start the season at Triple-A, but injuries to the pitching staff could earn him a shot at the rotation. The lefty has tossed on 86 professional innings since 2012 due to injury.