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MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL ROY candidates through May

By Tim Haberin

May 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) throws to the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) throws to the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Tyler White – HOU

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

.223/.304/.419, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 0.4 WAR

The Houston Astros seem to be coming out of their funk, having won eight of their last 10 games. Unfortunately, rookie first baseman Tyler White has been moving in the opposite direction.

After posting an .814 OPS with five home runs and 14 RBI in April, the 25-year-old sputtered to a .203/.311/.359 slash line in May while adding only two more long balls and four RBI. Overall, his line on the year now sits at .223/.304/.419. His .722 OPS is fourth best among AL rookies (min. 75 AB), and his homer and RBI totals are tied for third and second, respectively.

Although his batting line is gradually deflating, home runs and RBIs still tend to carry weight when it comes time for awards season voting. That will keep him on this list for now, but if his June isn’t markedly better than his May, he could very well be pushed out of the rankings next time around.

Next: Number 4

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