2013 MLB Awards: Pirates Francisco Liriano named Comeback Player of the Year
Oct 6, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher
Francisco Lirianothrows a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning in game three of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Already the recipients of some postseason honors, the awards keep coming in for the Pittsburgh Pirates after their successful 2013 season.
A couple weeks after being named theSporting NewsComeback Player of the Year, Pirates starting pitcherFrancisco Lirianowas named Major League Baseball’s Comeback Player of the Year on Monday.
It’s the second time Liriano has won Comeback Player of the Year, taking home the honor in 2010 with the Minnesota Twins, becoming the first player in history to win the award on multiple occasions.
After signing as a free agent in the offseason, Liriano had a career revival in Pittsburgh, posting a 16-8 record to go along with a 3.02 ERA during the 2013 regular season. The left-hander played a huge part in the Pirates making the playoffs for the first time since 1992.
Liriano won the award over the likes of Philadelphia’sChase Utley, Washington’sJayson Werthand Colorado’sJorge De La Rosa.
New York Yankees legendMariano Riverawas named the American League winner of the Comeback Player of the Year after recording 44 saves to go along with a 2.11 earned run average in his final major league season.
In addition to Liriano being named Comeback Player of the year, Pirates center fielderAndrew McCutchenwas named the Players Choice Award winner for the National League’s Outstanding Player for the second straight season.