MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL ROY candidates through May

4. Carlos Rodon – 1-0, 3.45 ERA, 25 SO

May 9, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) delivers a pitch during the fifth inning in game two of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The White Sox planned to bring their prized pitching prospect along slowly, working him out of the bullpen at first. That idea lasted for three relief appearances, and since moving to the starting rotation Carlos Rodon has done a much better job showing the baseball world what he can do.

He has posted a 3.63 ERA in 22.1 innings as a starter and seems to be getting better results each time he takes the mound. Three of his four starts have been of the quality variety. He’s fanned 25 batters in 28.2 total innings, displaying some of the strikeout-inducing ability that made him so coveted coming out of college. Rodon will need to get the walks under control, however: he’s given out 19 free passes thus far.

At only 22 years of age, there’s little reason to think Rodon won’t keep improving each time he takes the ball. He’ll likely have his innings capped by season’s end, which could prove a factor in his Rookie of the Year chances. But if he continues to have outings like his last couple, he should climb this list in a hurry.

Next: Number 3