Rangers Prince Fielder adds to ‘Comeback’ trophy case

Talk about validation. It keeps coming in waves for Texas Rangers’ designated hitter Prince Fielder.

He was named the Player’s Choice American League Comeback Player of the Year, his third such honor this off-season.

Fielder batted .305 with 23 homers and 98 RBI in 2015 after neck surgery limited him to 42 games a season ago.

Fielder also earned Comeback Player honors from the MLB and The Sporting News.

“It’s awesome. I really appreciate the fact that the players awarded me this. It means a lot,” Fielder said on the MLB Network. “Just to be able to play baseball again and be with the guys it means a lot.”

Before 2014, Fielder had played in all but one game the previous five seasons. He admitted to a little doubt about whether he’d perform up to his standards entering the 2015 season.

“I think there’s doubt every year,” he said. “I think with this [neck surgery], there was a little more.”

Fielder played in 158 games this season, primarily as a DH.

“It’s very important to me, because No. 1 I love playing,” he said. “I’ll be honest, they pay me a lot. I feel like I should be out there playing. Unless [something is] broken or I’m bleeding or whatever, I think I should be playing.”

Here’s a look at the Player’s Choice award winners:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Outstanding Player: Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays

Outstanding Pitcher: Dallas Keuchel, Astros

Outstanding Rookie: Carlos Correa, Astros

Comeback Player: Prince Fielder, Rangers

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Outstanding Player: Bryce Harper, Nationals

Outstanding Pitcher: Zack Greinke, Dodgers

Outstanding Rookie: Kris Bryant, Cubs

Comeback Player: Matt Harvey, Mets

This story was originally published November 10, 2015 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Rangers Prince Fielder adds to ‘Comeback’ trophy case."