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MLB Awards Watch: Top Five NL Cy Young Candidates Through May

By Gavin Lee

May 7, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) walks to the dugout in the second inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) walks to the dugout in the second inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

When it comes to the National League, pitching is king.  Through two months of the season we’ve seen absolute dominance from dozens of starters, including records, streaks and no-hitters.

Twelve pitchers have already eclipsed 1.5 WAR, a staggering amount heading into June. Last season, only three Senior Circuit hurlers put up 6 WAR, the pace that this group is on. It just so happens that the top two from last season (and the first edition of this list) hold the top spots again.

In fact, though the order has changed, only one pitcher was bumped from the list. Number five last month was Vincent Velasquez, and while the young Philadelphia hurler is still having a strong season overall, his May wasn’t the best.  After putting up a 1.71 ERA in April, Velasquez was roughed up to the tune of 5.12 this month.

Teammate Aaron Nola has picked up the slack, lowering his mark to 2.88 through eleven starts. The youngster turns 23 tomorrow, making his season thus far even more remarkable.

Here is our list of top five candidates for the NL Cy Young through May.

All stats up to date through June 2nd.

Next: Honorable Mentions

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