The Dodgers announced today that Clayton Kershaw won National League Pitcher of the Month honors for July. Kershaw is the first Dodger to take home the honor since Derek Lowe did so in August 2006. Kershaw's highlight game of the month was his 12-strikeout performance in eight scoreless innings against Tim Lincecum and the Giants on July 20.

In the National League during the month of July, Clayton Kershaw ranked:

• 3rd with a 2.02 ERA (Johnny Cueto was at 1.52, Tim Lincecum at 1.80)
• 2nd with a 1.96 FIP (Madison Bumgarner was at 1.92)
• 1st with a 2.15 xFIP
• Tied for 1st with four wins
  
• 1st with 45 strikeouts
• 2nd with 1.3 FanGraphs WAR (Bumgarner had 1.5)

Kershaw already got his August off to a fantastic start with Monday's complete game win in San Diego. Earlier today, Marc Normandin at Baseball Nation took a look at the NL Cy Young possibilities, and while Roy Halladay is the favorite there is still time for Kershaw (and Cole Hamels) to make a run at the annual award.

But first things first. Congratulations to Kershaw for winning what will hopefully be the first of many such Pitcher of the Month awards. My favorite part of the press release is that Kershaw "will receive specially designed trophy, suitably engraved, to commemorate his performance."

I sure hope that engraving is suitable.