MLB Awards: Top 5 AL ROY candidates through June

5. Carson Smith – 31 IP, 1.45 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 37 SO, 5 SV

Jun 19, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Carson Smith (39) throws during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Carson Smith continues to be a dynamite option out of the Seattle Mariners bullpen. In 31 total innings he has allowed only 17 hits and five earned runs. He has also walked just six and surrendered only two homers.

With Fernando Rodney providing a textbook illustration of the term “cardiac closer,” it seemed only a matter of time before the 25-year-old Smith took over the reins. Indeed, he was given the opportunity and notched his first save on June 6. Since then he has saved five games in six chances for the M’s.

Manager Lloyd McClendon has allowed the veteran Rodney to ease his way back into the role, letting him pick up a save on June 26. “My hope,” he said, “is Rodney becomes that lock-down ninth-inning guy again.” The 5.52 ERA is hardly inspiring, though, so Smith should have a solid shot at continuing to rack up saves, which would fortify his ROY resume. Regardless of whether or not he is closing games, however, he has turned in some dominant relief work and deserves recognition.

Next: Rookie #4