Dodgers double up on monthly awards; Cole, Keuchel named top arms

A pair of heavy hitters have been named MLB's top performers for the month of April.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has been named the National League Player of the Month, while Seattle Mariners slugger Nelson Cruz earned the American League honor.

The duo went on a power surge to open up the season, as Gonzo's eight homers and .790 slugging percentage were good enough to get the nod. 

Cruz picked up where he left off last season, leading the majors with 10 home runs and 22 RBIs, while slugging .724.

The league's top pitchers for the month were Pittsburgh Pirates starter Gerrit Cole and Houston Astros arm Dallas Keuchel.

Cole went 4-0 with a 1.76 ERA in April with 35 strikeouts. He held opposing batters to a .198 average.

In five starts, Keuchel pitched to a sparkling 0.73 ERA with 22 strikeouts.

On the rookie front, the spotlight went to Dodgers third baseman Alex Guerrero and Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis. 

In 13 April games, the Dodgers rookie batted .423 and slugged a major-league-best 1.077, thanks to five homers and 11 RBIs.

Travis, on the other hand, has filled the Blue Jays' second base position nicely while doing more than expected at the plate, batting .325 with six home runs, six doubles and 19 RBIs.