Walker Buehler named National League pitcher of the month

After a dominant July, Walker Buehler was named the National League pitcher of the month. For Buehler, it was arguably one of the best months of his young career.

In July, Buehler made five starts. He went 3-0, posting a 1.67 ERA. He struck out 38 and issued nine walks while posting a 0.90 WHIP and 1.73 FIP. Opponents hit .177 off him.

Buehler allowed three runs or fewer in every start, including zero runs in two starts. In addition to limiting runs, Buehler was also able to eat innings, something he’s done all season. In total he pitched 32 ¹⁄₃ innings, an average of more than 6 ¹⁄₂ innings per start. He ended his month on a high note, as he tossed at least seven innings in his final three starts.

If you were to take out his first start of the month against Miami, Buehler posted a 0.99 ERA over his next four starts.

All of a sudden, Buehler is the favorite to win the NL Cy Young Award, per FanDuel. With Jacob deGrom out, it’s allowed for other pitchers to enter the race. At the moment, Buehler has 3/1 odds with four different starters all barely behind him.

On the season, Buehler is 11-1 with a 2.19 ERA, 3.13 FIP, 0.90 WHIP and SO/BB rate of 4.48. While the Dodgers have been struggling to find players to start games for them, they’ve had arguably the best and most consistent starter in their rotation this entire time.