On the heels of two lost seasons thanks to Tommy John Surgery, Justin Verlander came back with a bang in what could prove to be his final season with the Houston Astros, going 18-4 with an MLB best 1.75 ERA in 28 starts during the regular season.
As a result of his dominance, Verlander has at least assured himself of a top three finish in the voting for the American League Cy Young Award, and with it, his ninth career finish in the top five for Cy Young voting, which ties him for second with Greg Maddux and Randy Johnson.
Only former Astros legend Roger Clemens has had more finishes in the top five for Cy Young Voting.
As a Cy Young finalist, we know Justin Verlander finished top-3
It’s his 9th finish of *at least* top 5 in CYA voting, tied with Randy Johnson & Greg Maddux for 2nd-most all-time, trailing only:
Roger Clemens: 10 https://t.co/LYoGEpTKxM
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) November 8, 2022
Verlander Close To Matching The Rocket
Verlander is just one behind Clemens in this category.
While the postseason was a struggle for Verlander this year, he still put together a fantastic season that is likely to earn him the AL Cy Young Award.
Verlander is one of three finalists for the award, joining Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease and Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah.
Verlander is a two-time Cy Young Award winner, having won the award in 2011 while with the Detroit Tigers, in addition to an MVP Award, and in 2019, which was his last full season before dealing with elbow troubles.
His dominant season is also likely to earn him a solid payday in free agency, whether he stays in Houston or departs.
Verlander picked up the win in Game 5 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park, pitching five innings and allowing just one run.
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