The Toronto Blue Jays' Ryu Hyun-jin has been named the best left-handed pitcher in the Major Leagues for 2020, becoming not only the first South Korean, but also the first Asian to win the recognition.

Announcing the 33-year-old as the winner of this year's Warren Spahn Award on Tuesday, the award committee said despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryu had a "stellar year on the mound that was certainly worthy of this honor."

In the truncated, 60-game season, Ryu went five-two in 12 starts with a two-point-69 ERA, 72 strikeouts and 17 walks in 67 innings.

Among all qualified left-handers, Ryu ranked second in strikeouts and ERA, and was tied for third in wins.

The South Korean also finished third in the American League(AL) Cy Young Award voting.

Presented annually by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame since 1999, the award is named after the legendary Hall of Famer Warren Spahn, who holds the record for most wins by a lefty with 363.