Lovullo, Goldschmidt finalists for National League honors
Nov 6, 2017, 7:58 PM | Updated: Nov 7, 2017, 11:45 am
Arizona Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt (44) greets manager Torey Lovullo after scoring on a base hit by J.D. Martinez during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and manager Torey Lovullo were among those named as finalists for National League awards, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America announced Monday.
Goldschmidt joined Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton and Reds first baseman Joey Votto as finalists for the National League Most Valuable Player award. This is Goldschmidt’s third nomination for the award in five years — he finished second in both 2013 and 2015.
Lovullo joins Rockies manager Bud Black and Dave Roberts of the Dodgers as a finalist for the NL Manager of the Year award.
The nominations come on the heels of the Diamondbacks’ best season since 2011. They finished second in the NL West with 93 wins, earning a NL Wild Card spot. There, they defeated the Rockies before losing to the Dodgers in the NLDS in three games.
Goldschmidt finished the season with a .297 batting average, .563 slugging percentage and 36 home runs. His 117 runs scored and 120 RBI ranked him among the top five in the National League. The Diamondbacks have never had an MVP in their 20-year history.
Lovullo could become the Diamondbacks third manager to receive the honor. Bob Melvin won in 2007 and Kirk Gibson took home the award in 2011.
The NL Manager of the Year award will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 14, with the NL MVP announced Thursday, Nov. 16.
