MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL Rookie of the Year candidates through April

5. Kyle Lobstein – 3 GS, 2-1, 3.50 ERA, 10 K

Mar 3, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Kyle Lobstein (53) pitches during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Baltimore Orioles at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers left-hander Kyle Lobstein wasn’t on many radars until Justin Verlander‘s injury slotted him into the starting rotation. Lobstein has done a more than adequate job filling in for the former Cy Young and MVP award winner, turning in three solid starts against some quality competition. He’s thrown 18 innings to the tune of a 3.50 ERA, giving up 17 hits and seven earned runs. His best start so far came against the Yankees on April 21, when he held the Bombers to just three hits and one run over six innings. Lobstein has also been effective without relying on the strikeout (he’s fanned ten batters in his 18 innings) though it might behoove him to start missing some more bats.

It’s difficult to say how his role might change whenever Verlander makes his way back, but if he remains this effective Lobstein will get his opportunities. He’s enjoyed 18 runs of support in his three starts, and while he shouldn’t expect such prosperity every time he takes the mound, the Tigers’ high-powered offense should continue treating him right. Combine that with Detroit’s sound infield defense and it’s easy to see Lobstein netting his share of wins and remaining a quality rotation piece in 2015.

Next: Nathan Karns