Pro Hogs

Keuchel earns third AL Pitcher of the Month honor

Houston Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 31, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Richard Carson)

Dallas Keuchel was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for the third time this season Wednesday.

The former Arkansas pitcher went 4-1 and posted a 1.94 ERA in August. He also struck out 41 batters, while walking only eight in 41 2/3 innings.

By winning the award for August, Keuchel - who notched the honor in April and May, as well - became the first player since Jake Peavy in 2007, and first AL player since Johan Santana in 2004, to win it three times in one season.

It has been a breakout year for Keuchel, as his 16 wins rank first in the American League and his 2.24 ERA is second.

The 2015 season has also seen his strikeouts increase dramatically. After averaging 6.3 strikeouts per nine innings through his first three seasons, Keuchel is striking out 8.1 per nine this season.