HOUSTON (AP) — It didn't take Justin Verlander long to realize he could have a special year after missing almost two full seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Heading into his fifth start, Verlander knew he was back.
“In that moment, I felt normal and like myself, pain-free, able to recover like I always have,” he said. “I think my mindset just completely shifted to like, ‘OK, I am the pitcher I’ve always been.’”
On Wednesday, the Houston ace capped his stellar season by winning the American League Cy Young Award, joining Miami's Sandy Alcantara in the National League as unanimous selections.