MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 NL MVP candidates thru June

Not only a crushing blow to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw‘s recent injury has league-wide implications that could affect everything from the trade deadline to MLB awards and distinctions.

Whether you’re a Dodgers fan or just love following the game period, no one wanted to see baseball’s best pitcher having arguably his best season to date hit the disabled list. He would have been a lock to start the All-Star Game for the National League, would have been a top contender for another Cy Young and likely, the MVP as well.

Kershaw has no timetable for a return, but the hasty acquisition of Bud Norris by the Dodgers from the Braves on June 30 doesn’t bode well for future expectations. Nor do the phrases “herniated disc” and “epidural injection” with reference to the ace’s diagnosis.

The injury changes the climate of the entire National League, the NL West especially, and any sort of race for a major award. Here are your top five candidates though MLB’s first three months.

Next: Number 5