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MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL Cy Young candidates thru April

By Nick Fustor

Apr 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Honorable Mentions

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Rich Hill built off his surprising late season run with the Boston Red Sox to land a contract with the Oakland Athletics – and the deal has paid off big time for both sides.  His 12.81 K/9 looks impressive, but would be hard to maintain for an extended period of time.  It’s unclear how long the 36-year-old can keep his ERA under three, but the A’s will enjoy the run while it lasts.

    • Dallas Keuchel

    is the reigning AL Cy Young winner, but he’s yet to reclaim his dominant form from 2015. He is quickly improving as he continues to rack up innings.  A

    4.41 ERA

    looks bad on the surface, but his 2.99 FIP proves better days are on the horizon.  However, it should be noted that his BB/9 is up to 3.58 from 1.98 last season.

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  • Drew Smyly has quietly established himself as one of the better strikeout pitchers in the Major Leagues.  His 10.64 K/9 is right around the same number from last season before succumbing to injury. But this season, he’s managed to translate his strikeout ability into limiting base runners.
  • The knuckleballer Steven Wright was an injury replacement to start the season, but he has created a serious dilemma for the Boston Red Sox as Eduardo Rodriguez‘s return looms.  If Wright can keep limiting home runs, he’ll likely maintain a rotation spot for the foreseeable future.
  • Injuries have limited Masahiro Tanaka in his first two big league seasons, but he’s proving that he’s among the best pitchers in the world with his play this season.  He’s managed to limit base runners and rack up strikeouts, but despite his play, the New York Yankees have been mired in a slump all season long.

    • Next: Number 5

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