Justin Verlander named AL Pitcher of the Month for September

It may not be the most notable award that Justin Verlander wins this season, but on Tuesday night, the Detroit Tigers pitcher was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for September. The award comes on the heels of a month in which Verlander compiled a 1.93 ERA over six starts.

The Tigers won five of those starts, and all were crucial as Detroit battled for a playoff spot down the stretch. In 42 innings, Verlander allowed a total of nine runs while striking out 41 batters and walking only 10. Six of those nine runs were allowed in one start against the Los Angeles Angels, and it was the only start of the month in which Verlander took the loss.

In three of those six starts -- against the Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins -- Verlander left the game having allowed no runs. Going by ERA, it was his best month of the season, though Fangraphs' FIP stat would disagree with that assessment.