NEW YORK (AP) — Wil Myers of the Tampa Bay Rays has won the AL Rookie of the Year award after putting up impressive offensive numbers in barely half a season.
The right fielder received 23 of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in results announced Monday, beating out Detroit shortstop Jose Iglesias and Rays teammate Chris Archer.
Myers becomes the third Tampa Bay player in six years to be selected Rookie of the Year, joining pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (2011) and third baseman Evan Longoria (2008).
The 22-year-old Myers batted .293 with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs in only 88 games after he was called up from the minors June 18. He immediately added much-needed power to the middle of the Rays’ lineup, helping them reach the playoffs as an AL wild card.
