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Miami Marlins starter Jose Fernandez, who passed away in a boating accident in September, was named the National League’s Comeback Player of the Year by the MLB Players Association on Wednesday.
José Fernández has been named the 2016 Comeback Player of the Year by @MLB_PLAYERS.#JDF16 | #PlayersChoiceAwards16 pic.twitter.com/OOumYhbyxn
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) November 10, 2016
Fernandez opened the season in the front-end of Miami’s starting rotation, and while he was monitored according to an innings limit, he is a big reason the club remained in playoff contention for most of the regular season.
Over 182.1 innings with the Marlins last season, Fernandez pitched to a 2.86 ERA and 2.30 FIP. Though he posted solid numbers in each of his four seasons with the Marlins, Fernandez’s ability to bounce back was notable.
Now without Fernandez, the Marlins have started looking for ways to upgrade their starting rotation. Fernandez was slotted to be Miami’s Opening Day starter next season.
Fernandez wasn’t a Cy Young candidate in the National League, but the Association recognized him as award season is underway:
#PlayersChoiceAwards16 NL #ComebackPlayer #JoseFernandez @Marlins #RIPJoseFernandez you will be missed but never forgotten pic.twitter.com/CTftXELdgY
— #MLBPA50 (@MLB_PLAYERS) November 10, 2016