Houston Astros Dallas Keuchel named the AL Pitcher of the Month for May

Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel has been voted American League Pitcher of the Month for May.

Keuchel compiled a 4-1 record with a 2.62 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 44.2 innings pitched over six appearances to claim his second career AL Pitcher of the Month Award, winning in consecutive months to start the 2015 MLB season. Dallas is the first hurler to win back-to-back AL Pitcher of the Month Awards since José Contreras of the Chicago White Sox did so in September, 2005 and April, 2006. He is the first pitcher to win consecutive monthly honors in the same season since Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins won three AL Pitcher of the Month Awards from July - September, 2004 in his first Cy Young Award winning season. Among qualifying AL starters (minimum 25.0 innings), Keuchel finished first in innings pitched and complete games (2), tied for first in wins and shutouts (1), and third in strikeouts. The left-hander held opponents to a .223 batting average and allowed just three home runs.

Keuchel began his award-wining month with 8.0 innings of one-run ball and eight strikeouts in a no-decision at Minute Maid Park against the visiting Texas Rangers on May 4th. Dating back to August 15, 2014, the Tulsa, Oklahoma native posted his 13th consecutive quality start, matching Wandy Rodriguez's quality start streak of 13 from July 25 - September 28, 2010. The 2014 AL Gold Glove winner was masterful again on May 20th against the Oakland Athletics, tossing 7.0 innings without giving up an earned run en route to his sixth victory of the season. The University of Arkansas product became the first Astros starting pitcher to begin the season 6-0 or better since Roger Clemens started the 2004 season 9-0 in his Cy Young season. Dating back to September 14, 2014, Keuchel had an eight-game winning streak, which marked the longest winning streak during that time. Following his complete-game loss on May 25th, the former seventh round pick in the 2009 Draft previously went 14 starts without recording a loss, posting a 1.79 ERA and .199 opposing batting average. The Astros were 13-1 in those starts. The four-year veteran saved his best performance for his last start of the month against the visiting White Sox on May 30th. Keuchel tossed a complete-game shutout, marking his second consecutive complete-game to go along with a career-high 11 strikeouts. Entering play today, Houston's ace leads the Majors in ERA (1.76), innings pitched (81.2) and opposing batting average (.183).

Others receiving votes for AL Pitcher of the Month included Kyle Gibson (3-1, 1.36 ERA, 39.2 IP, 24 SO), Ricky Nolasco (5-0, 4.25 ERA, 26 SO) and Glen Perkins (15 G, 13 SV, 2.40 ERA) of the Twins; Felix Hernandez (4-1, 2.00 ERA, 36.0 IP, 35 SO, 1 SHO) of the Seattle Mariners; Jesse Chavez (1.93 ERA, 42.0 IP, 33 SO) and Sonny Gray (3-2, 1.67 ERA, 37.2 IP, 41 SO) of the Oakland Athletics; Chris Young (3-1, 1.45 ERA, 31.0 IP, 25 SO) of the Kansas City Royals; Chris Sale (2-1, 2.68 ERA, 37.0 IP, 46 SO) of the White Sox; Corey Kluber (3-2, 2.95 ERA, 42.2 IP, 60 SO) of the Cleveland Indians; and Jered Weaver (4-1, 2.83 ERA, 1 SHO, 41.1 IP) of the Los Angeles Angels.

The American League Pitcher of the Month, Dallas Keuchel, will receive a specially designed trophy, suitably engraved, for his accomplishment.