Justin Verlander defends Kate Upton after swipe from reporter

DETROIT, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Yes, he led MLB with 22 wins, but many thought it was an upset Wednesday when Boston Red Sox pitcher Rick Porcello won the American League Cy Young Award instead of Justin Verlander.

And the Detroit Tigers ace's fiancé/supermodel took aim at voters. Those voters are members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America and they turn in the votes before the postseason.

"Sorry Rick but you didn't get any 1st place votes? You didn't win. #ByeFelicia @MLB keep up with the times and fire those writers," Upton tweeted Wednesday.

Verlander last won the award in 2011. He has finished in second place for it twice and placed third in voting in 2009.

This season, Verlander edged Porcello in games started, innings pitched, strikeouts, ERA, WHIP, batting average against, and bWAR. Porcello had more run support en route to his edge in victories.

Verlander's 14 first-place votes were the most among any player nominated. Porcello had eight first-place votes. Porcello's 18 second-place votes far outweighed anyone else on the ballot.

"He had the majority of 1st place votes and 2 writers didn't have him on their ballots?!! Can you pick more out of touch people to vote? @MLB," Upton tweeted.

"Hey @MLB I thought I was the only person allowed to [expletive] @JustinVerlander?! What 2 writers didn't have him on their ballot," Upton tweeted.

After New York Daily News reporter Mark Feinsand told Upton to "pipe down," Verlander went on the defensive.

"She wasn't upset about me losing," Verlander tweeted. "That's fine. But turning in a ballot a week b4 the season ends?! Her point was they were uninformed. That they turned in their ballot a week early only validated her point. Also if you "don't disagree" where do you get off telling anyone to "pipe down"?!?"

Verlander, 33, is due $28 million each season from the Tigers through 2019. He has a vesting option for $22 million in 2020.