HOUSTON, TX — Astros Pitcher Justin Verlander won the 2022 American League Cy Young Award Wednesday night, Nov. 16. The 39-year-old’s resurgence from two injury-riddled seasons in 2020 and 2021 claimed his 3rd award after a remarkable comeback year in 2022.
Verlander underwent Tommy John’s surgery in September 2020 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. The 12- to 18-month recovery seemed daunting at that stage in his career, but he attributed his family and positive thinking as an aide to his recovery.
In an interview with MLB Network, he said, “I felt like this was an opportunity for me to connect with my daughter. Spending time with them (family) was incredible.”
During the 2022 season, his daughter, Genevieve, was his biggest fan.
“She came to a bunch of games, she went to the World Series, and to have her run into my arms after we won it was an incredible full-circle moment,” he said.
Receiving all 30 of the first-place votes, Verlander unanimously won the award after posting staunch numbers on the mound for the Astros' entire season.
| ATHLETE | ERA | WHIP | Opponents’ OPS | Opponnents Batting Average | ERA+ | Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verlander | 1.75 | 0.83 | .497 | .186 | 220 | 18 |
Verlander stuck out 185 batters and walked only 29 in his 28 starts during the season. He also contributed five innings to the pivotal Game 5 of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. His 220 ERA+ also eclipsed his Cy Young and MVP season with the Tigers in 2011.
Verlander’s teammates also walked away from the 2022 season with some extra hardware. Shortstop Jeremy Pena won the Golden Glove for the American League. In addition, Second Baseman Jose Altuve and Designated Hitter Yordan Alvarez won Silver Sluggers for their respective positions.
(Credit: astros twitter)
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: