ALCS 2017: Astros’ Justin Verlander named American League Champion Series MVP

Houston Astros RHP Justin Verlander was the final piece for the franchise to reach the 2017 World Series. That fact was reflected in the American League Championship Series MVP award voting.

Verlander, 34, was selected with the 2017 ALCS MVP after going 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA in two starts. He struck out 21 and walked two.

Verlander put Houston in the driver’s seat with a complete-game outing on 124 pitches with 13 strikeouts in the Astros’ 2-1 win. He returned in Game 6 in an elimination game, he pitched seven shutout innings with eight strikeouts in a 7-1 victory.

The Astros added Verlander at the waiver-trade deadline in Aug. 31 but the 2011 AL Cy Young award winner waived his no-trade clause for Houston. Verlander talked about his move to Houston during the trophy ceremony:

"I've got to say, it came down to the wire, and one thing kept going off in my head was Dallas [Keuchel]. When he called me, he said that I won't regret my decision to join the Houston Astros. And here we are right now, it's the best feeling in the world. We've got four more wins to win a World Series, and I do not regret my decision to come here. This is the best feeling a player can have. So, thank you."

Verlander is 9-0 with a 1.23 ERA and 67 strikeouts in his nine starts with the Astros including the playoffs.

Verlander joins Roy Oswalt as the only two Astros to win the Championship Series MVP, Oswalt earned the honor after the 2005 NLCS.