Keuchel, Castro and Altuve up for Gold Glove Awards
HOUSTON -- Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel, catcher Jason Castro and second baseman Jose Altuve on Thursday were named finalists at their positions in the American League for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, given annually to the best fielder at his position in each league.
Keuchel, who won his first Gold Glove a year ago, is one of three finalists at pitcher in the AL, joining Mark Buehrle (Toronto) and Sonny Gray (Oakland). Castro is joined as a finalist at catcher by Russell Martin (Toronto) and Salvador Perez (Kansas City), and the finalists at second base are Altuve, Brian Dozier (Minnesota) and Ian Kinsler (Detroit).
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The winners will be announced Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN.
Last year, Keuchel became the eighth player in franchise history to win a Gold Glove, joining outfielder Michael Bourn (2009-10), catcher Brad Ausmus ('01-02, '06), second baseman Craig Biggio (1994-97), first baseman Jeff Bagwell ('94), outfielder Cesar Cedeno ('72-76), third baseman Doug Rader ('70-74) and shortstop Roger Metzger ('73).
Video: HOU@KC Gm3: Keuchel snares chopper, throws for out
Keuchel made only one error for the second year in row, which is impressive considering he's a ground-ball pitcher who had league-high 72 chances. According to Fangraphs.com, Keuchel's 13 defensive runs saved were tops in the AL and eight more than the second-place Buehrle.
Altuve committed only five errors and had a .993 fielding percentage, which was the highest in the AL at his position. Kinsler, who made 13 errors, led the AL with 19 defensive runs saved at second base. Altuve had three.
Castro had only one error in 883 1/3 innings behind the plate and was fifth in the league in caught stealing percentage (36 percent). He threw out 24 of 66 runners attempting to steal.