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MLB Awards: Top 5 National League Cy Young Candidates

By Brendan Dlubala

Jul 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (49) during the second inning against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (49) during the second inning against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 – Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw, who has won the award three times in the last five years, was the preseason favorite to win the National League Cy Young.

Kershaw was also on pace to have a historic season before being injured.  The three-time winner was 11-2 with a 1.79 ERA through 16 starts before being added to the disabled list. He was suffering from a herniated disk and his return was questionable. Now, Kershaw is being

Now, Kershaw is being called up Friday. He is also expected to make about five starts before playoffs begin. Despite being out for about 2 months, Kershaw still is a Cy Young Candidate.

Among National League starters with at least 120 innings pitched Kershaw ranks:

  • 1st in ERA (1.79),
  • 1st in WHIP (0.73),
  • 5th in K/9 (10.79),
  • 1st in BB/9 (0.67),
  • 1st in HR/9 (0.45),
  • t-1st in OBA (1.84), and
  • 2nd in WAR (5.5.).

Many won’t support Kershaw’s claim to Cy Young due to the lack of innings and his injury. But it’s hard to ignore his candidacy when he arguably is the best pitcher in the league. With five or so starts remaining, Kershaw could realistically reach 150 innings pitched and 16 wins.

But, the two months of injury time is likely going to keep Kershaw from winning the Cy Young. Compared to the other top National League pitchers, he won’t have the core statistics of wins and innings pitched to keep up. If by some miracle, Kershaw is absolutely dominant and pitches deep into every upcoming start, he could make this much more interesting.

Next: The Dark Horse

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