Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Alex Wood was named National League Player of the Week for the period of May 8-14. Wood is the Dodgers’ second player to win the award, with Cody Bellinger taking home the honor after his first full week with the team.
This is the first time the Dodgers have won in consecutive weeks since Yasiel Puig and Josh Beckett did so in May 2014. Wood is the first Dodgers pitcher to take home weekly honors since Clayton Kershaw and former teammate Zack Greinke were named Co-Players of the Week in July 2015.
The Player of the Week Award is Wood’s first in his career. He went 2-0, throwing 11 scoreless innings and collecting 21 strikeouts to just two walks in two starts during the week he was recognized for.
Wood’s outings with 11 and 10 strikeouts marked the first time he’s put forth back-to-back starts with double-digit strikeouts. The string of strong performances bought Wood additional time in the rotation, even with Rich Hill and Brandon McCarthy on the verge of returning.
Overall this season, Wood is 4-0 with a 1.76 ERA, 1.61 FIP and 1.01 WHIP in eight games (six starts). His 12.11 strikeouts per nine innings and 33.1 percent strikeout race are on pace to set career-best marks.
