Scherzer headlines monthly awards with 2nd straight Pitcher of the Month
Max Scherzer could well be on his way to a third consecutive Cy Young. He's off to an amazing start, winning the National League's Pitcher of the Month in May after already doing so in April.
It's not hard to see why. Over six starts in May, Scherzer went 4-0 with 63 strikeouts and a 2.21 ERA over 40 2/3 innings. He struck out at least 10 batters in four different outings.
On the American League side, fellow former Detroit Tigers hurler Justin Verlander took home the honor. The Houston Astros right-hander may have only gone 3-2, but it wasn't due to any issues on his end. Verlander posted a 0.86 ERA over 41 2/3 innings and didn't allow more than a single run in any one start.
Players of the Month
Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor was nearly impossible to get out in May. He hit .373/.432/.737 with 10 home runs, 13 doubles, and 27 runs scored. He finished the month going 9-for-15 in the final three games to cement his status as the AL's top hitter for the month.
Ohio was home to the NL's recipient of the monthly award as well, as Cincinnati Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett was a machine at the dish, hitting .398/.418/.720 and leading qualified NL batters with a 208 WRC+.
Relievers of the Month
Oakland Athletics closer Blake Treinen was deemed the AL Reliever of the Month after allowing only one run over 15 1/3 innings and converting all 10 save opportunities that came his way. He also struck out 29.5 percent of the batters he faced.
Meanwhile, San Diego Padres southpaw Brad Hand received the NL nod for top reliever in May. Similar to Treinen, Hand allowed only one run in the month, and struck out 22 while recording 11 saves over 14 2/3 innings of work.
Rookies of the Month
The New York Yankees just keep getting help from the youngsters. Gleyber Torres made his MLB debut in April, and he's been hitting ever since. In 24 games in May, Torres hit .317 with nine home runs, earning AL Rookie of the Month.
And while outfielder Austin Meadows didn't make his Pittsburgh Pirates debut until May 18, he's made enough of an impact to be named the NL Rookie of the Month. He hit .409/.426/.795 with four home runs, three doubles, and three stolen bases in 13 games. He also only struck out three times.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)