MLB: Top 5 candidates for AL Rookie of the Year

2. Matt Shoemaker (16-4, 3.04 ERA, 1.07 WHIP)

Los Angeles Angels fans can thank their lucky stars for Matt Shoemaker. On August 20th, the Angels were trying to catch the Athletics for the top spot in the AL West. The Angels’ ace, Garrett Richards, went down for the season with a knee injury. Many were wondering who would step up to take the ace role for Los Angeles.

Shoemaker was the one who stepped up. In six games since Richards went down, Shoemaker has gone 5-0 with a 1.12 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP. In 40 innings, he struck out 31 batters. The Angels went from hunting the Athletics to becoming the AL West champions.

During a postgame press conference on Monday, manager Mike Scioscia was asked about what Shoemaker has done for the Angels.  “Besides saving our season, what has he done?” Scioscia said.

Now Shoemaker is the victim of the injury bug. He left his last start because of an oblique strain. he probably will not make his last start before the end of the season, and his place in the ALDS could be in danger. What happens when the team’s savior needs a savior of his own?

Shoemaker is the first rookie to get at least 14 victories and throw at least 115 innings since a guy named CC Sabathia did it 14 seasons ago while with Cleveland.

I certainly hope Shoemaker is healthy during the playoffs. He has had a special season, and it would be nice to have him continue it on a big stage.