For Cleveland Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco, some things are bigger than baseball.

Carrasco did not get off to the best of starts in 2019, but opposing hitters became the least of his concern this summer. The 32-year-old announced that he had been diagnosed with leukemia prior to the All-Star break, and he was suspending all baseball activities to undergo chemotherapy.

The moment really hit home during the All-Star Game, which was hosted in Cleveland. Carrasco's teammates stood with him and held signs that read “I stand for Cookie” as part of the MLB's annual moment of silence to recognize the “Stand up to Cancer” movement.

But Carrasco never quit on his team. He battled through months of chemo and made a stunning return in September. His perseverance and courage in the face of adversity inspired his teammates and colleagues around the league.

On Friday, the MLB announced that Carrasco would be the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award:

According to MLB.com, the award is given to the player who most “demonstrates the values Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente displayed in his commitment to community and understanding the value of helping others.”

All 30 teams present a nominee.

On the field, Carrasco was not very good when he returned. He posted a 6.60 ERA in 15 innings of work in September. But his struggles did nothing to take away from his dedication.

Carrasco figures to be a permanent fixture in the rotation after a full offseason of baseball activities. He was quietly one of the best starters in baseball between 2014 and 2018.

First and foremost, however, Carlos Carrasco is to be commemorated for his valor.