Rangers' Jeff Banister named AL Manager of the Year

— -- Texas Rangers skipper Jeff Banister was named the American League Manager of the Year.

Banister led the Rangers (88-74) to an unexpected AL West division title despite losing ace Yu Darvish, who ultimately underwent Tommy John surgery, during spring training.

The first-year manager navigated the Rangers through injuries to pitchers  Derek Holland and Darvish, the return of Josh Hamilton to Texas, the rejuvenation of a healthy Prince Fielder and the deadline acquisition of left-hander Cole Hamels to a postseason berth.

The Rangers scuffled through the first half of the season and entered the All-Star break 42-46. However, they turned it on in the second half and compiled a 46-28 mark to propel them into the playoffs.

Texas' unlikely run came to an end with a Game 5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS.

Banister is the third Rangers manager to earn the honor but first since Buck Showalter was named Manager of the Year in 2004.

Banister earned 17 first-place votes and 112 total points to beat A.J. Hinch (82 points) of the Houston Astros and Paul Molitor (33) of the Minnesota Twins to win the award. All three were in their first years with their current teams.

Banister is the fifth manager to win in his first year. Washington's Matt Williams won in 2014, his first season as Nationals manager. He was fired after the end of this season.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.