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MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 NL Cy Young candidates through April

By Gavin Lee

Mar 15, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) delivers a pitch during a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) delivers a pitch during a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Jason Hammel was the National League ERA leader through the end of April, only allowing two runs across his 24 innings of work. While his pitching has been almost perfect for the NL Central leading Cubs, he ranks 35th in strikeouts. As the season goes on, if he can continue this he’ll obviously jump into the mix.
  • After Johnny Cueto fell apart down the stretch for the Kansas City Royals following last seasons trade from the Cincinnati Reds, many teams were apprehensive about commiting long term to the 30-year-old. The Giants took the leap, and have been rewarded so far. Cueto went 4-1 in April with a 2.65 ERA.
  • Carlos Martinez has started right where he left off after being shut down late last season with a shoulder injury. His 4-1 record with a 2.60 ERA has led the Cardinals while Adam Wainwright has struggled. Recently, news broke about a domestic violence case that has been brought against Martinez, throwing some dirt on his shiny start to the season.

Related Story: Top 5 AL Cy Young candidates thru April

  • Lefty Gio Gonzalez was brilliant through five starts, carrying a 1.15 ERA through the end of the month. His low strikeout numbers will hurt him, as will the 2-1 record.
  • Japanese-import Kenta Maeda got off to a great start in his first four outings, making Dodgers fans forget about Zack Greinke very quickly.  His 1.41 ERA through April was the best on the Dodgers.  His incentive-laden contract looks like it will still be a huge steal for a team that doesn’t need any financial help.

Next: Number 5

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