Andrew Miller was named the 2015 Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year.
Miller won the award after a dominant first season as the New York Yankees’ closer. In 2015, the left-hander posted a 2.04 earned-run average, struck out 100 batters in 61⅔ innings, and converted 36 of 38 save opportunities. His combination of a powerful fastball and sweeping slider made him one of the most difficult relievers in the American League to hit.
The award was introduced in 2014 and is named for Mariano Rivera, the Yankees legend and Major League Baseball’s all-time saves leader. It honors the top relief pitcher in the American League; the corresponding National League award is named for Trevor Hoffman. Miller’s 2015 recognition was especially notable because he had begun his career primarily as a starting pitcher before becoming an elite bullpen weapon. He later became famous for his extraordinary 2016 postseason with Cleveland, when he was named American League Championship Series MVP.