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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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5. Rick Porcello – BOS

Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

32.2 IP, 5-0, 2.76 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, .200 BAA, 36 K, 0.5 WAR

While teammate David Price is mowing more hitters down in the AL than any other pitcher, it’s Rick Porcello who has positioned himself the best for a 20 win campaign. He’s second on the club amongst starters in earned runs allowed and sits at sixth in the AL in strikeouts ahead of names like Corey Kluber and fireballer Garrett Richards.

Porcello’s 14-10 Red Sox are competing nicely amidst a talented AL East pool of offensive juggernauts. Given that, it’s really tough to overlook his perfect 1.000 winning percentage.

Traditionally a ground ball pitcher, Porcello’s 9.92 K/9 is up substantially from his career norm of 5.92. It’s been a consistent trend for him over the course of the last few seasons though, as he saw it rise from 5.67 in 2014 — his final year in Detroit — to 7.80 in 2015 with Boston. It’s an interesting development and considering he’s a top five candidate, Porcello’s strikeout totals are something to keep an eye on.

Next: Number 4

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