Darvish named Rangers Player of the Month

ARLINGTON -- Pitcher Yu Darvish was named the Rangers Player of the Month for April by the local media. The American League Player and Pitcher of the Month will be announced in the next few days.

Darvish was 5-1 with a 2.33 ERA in six starts while striking out 58. It's the most strikeouts in April by a Major League pitcher since Montreal's Javier Vazquez struck out 58 in 2003. The last Rangers pitcher to strike out 58 batters in any month was Nolan Ryan in September of 1989.

The 58 strikeouts are also tied for the third most by an American League pitcher through the end of April. Roger Clemens struck out 60 for the Red Sox in 1988 and Ryan had 59 through April while with the Angels in 1978. Vida Blue also had 58 for the Athletics in April of 1971.

Darvish is the sixth Rangers pitcher to record five wins in April. The last to do so were Rick Helling and Aaron Sele in 1998.