Dodgers: The Dodgers Award Winners at the Halfway Mark

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LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 15: Ross Stripling #68 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches to the San Francisco Giants during the second inning at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Cy Young: Ross Stripling

Well, this is a surprise, isn’t it?

After starting the season in the bullpen, Ross Stripling saw himself reach the rotation after the opening day starters went down like flies. Since his integration into the rotation, Stripling has been nothing short of remarkable. Posting a 2.08 ERA and 1.08 WHIP en route to his first-ever all-star game appearance.

He has pitched so well, that despite what Joe Buck an John Smoltz might be saying, Stripling will remain in the rotation because of how well he has pitched in that role this season. Stripling is a class act and it is a joy to watch him have the type of season he is enjoying.

This success is thanks in large part to the Rick Honeycutt and the rest of that staff. Helping him develop more of his secondary pitches has been a huge reason for this breakout season for chicken strip. Not to understate what Ross has been doing, but that staff does deserve some credit.

Ross was predominantly a 2-pitch pitcher up until this season. Fastball/Curveball. Now he has developed more pitches and has used them to his advantage. He has always had a nasty curveball with that patented 12/6 action. He has since added a changeup with filthy movement to his arm side. Also, a nice slider to go along with the rest of his repertoire.

Those pitches have always been in his arsenal, they just have been improved upon and it has shown. That increase in pitches keeps hitters guessing and helps his 92-93 MPH fastball play up. Stripling his having a terrific season and deserves all the recognition he gets.

Honorable Mentions: Clayton Kershaw and Kenta Maeda

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