DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander has been voted player of the year by the MLB Players Association.  Verlander, who led the AL with a 24-5 record, a 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts, joins Boston’s Pedro Martinez as the only pitchers to win the award.

Verlander beat out Boston first basemen Adrian Gonzalez and New York Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson for the award.  Verlander is considered the frontrunner to win the AL CY Young award later this month and he’s a top candidate for the AL MVP.