MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL ROY candidates through August

Aug 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers (43) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Surviving the dog days of summer is a challenge for any ballplayer, let alone a rookie. August can be a tough month, but this year’s crop of young players in the American League were up to the test.

Several of the names in this edition of our MLB awards watch rankings are familiar, as the AL’s most prominent rookies continued to solidify their cases by putting together productive months. It’s difficult for latecomers to distinguish themselves at this point in the season, but a couple newer faces have also caught the baseball world’s attention recently in a big way.

Some who didn’t make the cut are also worth a bit of recognition. Eddie Rosario, the Minnesota Twins’ 23-year-old right fielder, is second among AL rookies with 95 hits. The Chicago White Sox’s big power arm Carlos Rodon settled down and had a very nice month, posting a 2.48 ERA over five starts. Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers made a three-week detour to the minor leagues to limit his innings, but his season numbers are also quite impressive (3.21 ERA in 89.2 IP).

The race has a distinct frontrunner, and though only a month remains in the 2015 regular season, there is still time for other contenders to beat the odds and change the narrative.

Honorable mentions: Eddie Rosario (MIN), Lance McCullers (HOU), Carlos Rodon (CHW)

Next: Rookie #5