Dodgers fans reflect on legacy of Fernando Valenzuela
The Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans gathered to celebrate their 8th World Series title, but took time to reflect on the impact of Fernando Valenzuela.
A pair of left-handers are expected to receive the ultimate pitching honor Wednesday night when the American and National League Cy Young Award winners are announced (6 ET, MLB Network).
Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale are the favorites to take home their respective leagues’ honors when balloting results from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America are announced.
Skubal, who is celebrating his 28th birthday Wednesday, would be the first Detroit Tiger to win the award since Max Scherzer in 2013. He led the major leagues with 228 strikeouts in 192 innings, 6.3 WAR among pitchers, tied Sale with 18 wins and led the AL in ERA (2.39) and fielding independent pitching (2.70).
Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase and Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo are the other finalists.
A closer race is expected in the NL, where Sale aims to outpoint Philadelphia ace Zack Wheeler and Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes, already the NL Rookie of the Year. Wheeler’s case is strong, as his 2.57 ERA came over 200 innings, nearly 25 more than Sale, and his 0.96 WHIP led the NL. Sale led the majors in ERA (2.38) and the NL in strikeouts (225).
Sale finished between second and sixth in AL Cy Young voting from 2012-18, peaking with a runner-up finish to Corey Kluber in 2017.
DODGERS WIN WORLD SERIES: Celebrate with this commemorative coffee table book!
(Voting on 5-3-1 basis)
National League
- Chris Sale, Braves (26 first-place votes): 198
- Zack Wheeler, Phillies (4 first-place votes): 130
- Paul Skenes, Pirates: 53
- Dylan Cease, Padres: 45
- Shota Imanaga, Cubs: 38
- Logan Webb, Giants: 18
- Michael King, Padres: 14
- Hunter Greene, Reds: 5
- Ryan Hesley, Cardinals: 4
- Cristopher Sanchez, Phillies: 2
- Reynaldo Lopez, Braves; Sean Manaea, Mets; Aaron Nola, Phillies: 1
One of the game’s greatest recent comeback stories hit its peak as Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale was awarded the NL Cy Young Award.
Sale, 35, wins his first Cy Young after so many near-misses – he finished between second and sixth seven consecutive years in AL balloting from 2012-2018. This time, his major league-best 2.38 ERA and 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings could not be denied.
Sale topped Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler by earning 26 of 30 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Wheeler earned four first-place votes to finish second, while Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes – already NL Rookie of the Year – was third.
Cy Young announcement time
Wednesday’s Cy Young Award announcement show begins at 6 p.m. ET on MLB Network, with the awards being handed out over an hour-long program.
- Tarik Skubal, Tigers
- Emmanuel Clase, Guardians
- Seth Lugo, Royals
- Chris Sale, Braves
- Zack Wheeler, Phillies
- Paul Skenes, Pirates
- 2023: Gerrit Cole (Yankees), Blake Snell (Padres)
- 2022: Justin Verlander (Astros), Sandy Alcantara (Marlins)
- 2021: Robbie Ray (Blue Jays), Corbin Burnes (Brewers)
- 2020: Shane Bieber (Cleveland), Trevor Bauer (Reds)
- 2019: Justin Verlander (Astros), Jacob deGrom (Mets)
- 2018: Blake Snell (Rays), Jacob deGrom (Mets)
- 2017: Corey Kluber (Cleveland), Max Scherzer (Nationals)
- 2016: Rick Porcello (Red Sox), Max Scherzer (Nationals)
- 2015: Dallas Keuchel (Astros), Jake Arrieta (Cubs)
- 2014: Corey Kluber (Cleveland), Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers)
- 2013: Max Scherzer (Tigers), Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers)
- 2012: David Price (Rays), R.A. Dickey (Mets)
- 2011: Justin Verlander (Tigers), Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers)
- 2010: Felix Hernandez (Mariners), Roy Halladay (Phillies)
- 2009: Zack Greinke (Royals), Tim Lincecum (Giants)
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