In news that’s hardly surprising, Clayton Kershaw was named the National League Pitcher of the Month for May. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ ace has previously been named Pitcher of the Month in June 2014 and July 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
His sixth time receiving the honor is the most ever by a Dodgers pitcher. Kershaw went 5-0 with a 0.91 ERA and 0.52 WHIP over six May starts.
What’s more, Kershaw tossed three complete-game shutouts in May and became the first pitcher since 1900 to record 100 strikeouts in a season with fewer than seven walks. Including a pair of outings in April, he set a Dodgers franchise record with six consecutive starts with at least 10 strikeouts.
Kershaw led NL during the month in ERA, innings pitched (49.2), strikeouts (65), and tied for second in wins. Adding more to Kershaw’s accomplishments, his starts last month came with the Dodgers needing every bit of his brilliance.
Entering play on Thursday, the Dodgers were 18-25 in games not started by Kershaw, and 10-1 in his outings. While Kershaw didn’t earn a decision in his final start during May, it was noteworthy in the sense that it marked the first time this season he was removed mid-inning.
Kershaw leads the Majors in WAR (3.8), WAR for pitchers (3.5), ERA (1.566), WHIP (0.65) and strikeouts (105), among other categories.
