MLB
Price and Venters Win 2018 Comeback Players of the Year
Earlier today, MLB announced their 2018 Comeback Player of the Year Award recipients. For the American League, the Comeback Player of the Year was Red Sox pitcher David Price. In the National League, the Comeback Player of the Years was Braves pitcher Jonny Venters. Both Price and Venters played huge roles for their teams in their push for the postseason; and proved to themselves they still have what it takes to pitch in the MLB.
AL Comeback Player of the Year: David Price
In 2017, Price lasted just 74 2/3 innings due to injury. In 2018, Price finished the year with 176 innings in route to Boston’s first World Series title since 2013. On the year, Price also finished with a record of 16-7 with an ERA of 3.58 and had 177 strikeouts. Price played a huge role for the Red Sox down the stretch and through the playoffs. This past postseason, Price was 2-0 with an ERA of 1.98. Previously, Price has seen his ERA reach dangerous heights in the postseason. He flipped the switch this year and proved he is still just as dominant as he was in the regular season. He’ll look to continue that success into 2019 and beyond.
NL Comeback Player of the Year: Jonny Venters
After being out of Major League Baseball since 2012, Jonny Venters was the clear choice for the award. Venters pitched a combined 34 1/3 innings with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Atlanta Braves. In 2018, Venters went 5-2 with an ERA of 3.67 along with three saves and 27 strikeouts. Venters also had two appearances in the postseason against the Dodgers. After three Tommy John Surgeries, Venters never quit getting back to the sport. His much-anticipated return left many fans in awe over his story. After 2,000 days since his last MLB game, the Rays activated him from Triple-A to mark the end of his road back to the Majors. He was later traded to the Braves and provided a solid relief option as they marched towards the NL East crown.
Photo Credit to Arturo Pardavila III via Flickr
