Keuchel wins Rawlings Gold Glove Award

HOUSTON, TX - Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. announced tonight that Houston Astros LHP Dallas Keuchel has won an American League Rawlings Gold Glove Award. Keuchel was one of three finalists for the award for American League pitchers, with the others being Blue Jays LHP Mark Buehrle and Mariners RHP Felix Hernandez.

Keuchel becomes the first pitcher in franchise history to win a Gold Glove, and the eighth player, joining OF Michael Bourn (2009-10), C Brad Ausmus (2001-02, 2006), 2B Craig Biggio (1994-97), 1B Jeff Bagwell (1994), OF Cesar Cedeno (1972-76), 3B Doug Rader (1970-74) and SS Roger Metzger (1973).

The Rawlings Gold Glove Award was created in 1957, and since then the award has served as the highest symbol of defensive excellence in Major League Baseball. The winners are determined by combining votes from Major League managers and coaches with a sabermetric component.

In addition to his fine pitching in 2014 (12-9, 2.93 ERA, 200 IP), Keuchel led all Major League pitchers in total chances (66) and assists (47), while ranking fourth among AL pitchers in putouts (18). He made just one error all season for a .985 fielding percentage, which ranked sixth among AL pitchers. Keuchel was one of only 12 qualifying AL pitchers to make one error or less, and one of four to do so in at least 200 innings, joining RHP Corey Kluber, LHP Mark Buehrle and RHP Felix Hernandez.

A ninth round pick by the Astros in 2009, Keuchel allowed just one stolen base all season, and led all Major League pitchers with 10 "Defensive Runs Saved" (per Baseball Info Solutions).

Last week, Keuchel was also recognized for his defensive excellence when he earned the 2014 Fielding Bible Award for pitchers. The 26-year-old received 109 of a possible 120 votes for the Fielding Bible Award from a panel of 10 baseball experts that included Peter Gammons, Doug Glanville, Bill James, Brian Kenny and Mark Simon.