MLB: Top 5 candidates for AL Rookie of the Year

3. Yordano Ventura (13-10, 3.19 ERA, 1.28 WHIP)

When you have “Ace” as your nickname, you have to bring it. Yordano Ventura does just that.

On Wednesday, the Kansas City Royals found themselves  struggling in their series against the White Sox, and had to face one of the best pitchers in the league, Chris Sale. Ventura went to the mound and outpitched Sale, giving up just one run on three hits, and striking out seven in seven innings.

Just like an ace, he pitches well against the good teams. His lowest ERA comes against the playoff contenders like the Orioles (1.26), the Cleveland Indians (2.08), the Oakland A’s (3.00) and his inter-division rivals, the Detroit Tigers (3.12).

With his 98 m.p.h. fastball, Ventura can close you out as well as anyone. He has faced 52 batters with an 0-2 count, and has struck out half of them. Hitters have a .060 batting average against him on that count. With runners in scoring position, batters are hitting just .201 against him.

Ventura has shown the stuff of an ace. If the Royals end their playoff drought this season, Ventura could have a chance to really show his stuff on the biggest stage in baseball. In any case, Ventura looks to be a Royals ace for some time to come.