MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL Cy Young candidates through July

Jul 30, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Cy Young chase in the American League continues to be an exciting battle to watch unfold as the 2015 season moves past the All-Star break and into August. Many familiar pitchers are vying for this year’s hardware, along with a few newcomers who will attempt to take home the award for the first time.

This time last month we were talking about Chris Sale‘s mesmerizing run of dominance. After a relatively slow start, the rangy White Sox left-hander went on an absolute tear, striking out at least ten batters in eight consecutive outings from May 23 to June 30. He sputtered a bit in July, however, putting up a 4.19 ERA over five starts. If he has another masterful streak in him, he could be back in the Cy Young mix in a hurry.

Perhaps no pitcher in the Junior Circuit had a better July than Scott Kazmir. MLB agreed, awarding him the latest AL Pitcher of the Month honor. In five July starts he allowed only one earned run over 34 innings. He was also dealt from faltering Oakland to the middle of a playoff push in Houston prior to the trade deadline. Kazmir could be an intriguing dark horse candidate to watch moving forward.

It’s a strong field this year, strong enough that several deserving names just missed the cut. As the season barrels into its final two months, here are the top 5 pitchers in the AL to keep an eye on in the Cy Young race.

Honorable mentions: Scott Kazmir (HOU), Chris Sale (CHW)

Next: Pitcher #5