White Sox closer Liam Hendriks and Cubs reliever Ryan Tepera have been named Relievers of the Month of their respective leagues in May.
Hendriks appeared in 13 games in May, converting eight saves in as many opportunities. In 11 2/3 innings pitched, he didn’t allow an earned run while striking out 19 and walking two, lowering his 2021 ERA to 2.05.
Tepera made 14 appearances in May, tossing 14 2/3 innings, giving up just one run on three hits, striking out 19 without allowing a walk. The right-hander compiled an 0.61 ERA, with opponents hitting just .063/.061/.083 against him. The Cubs were 11-3 in his appearances.
Hendriks previously won the award with the A’s in June 2019 and August 2020. He is the first White Sox pitcher to be named Reliever of the Month.
This is the first win for Tepera, who is also the first Cubs pitcher to earn the honor.
This marks the second time since MLB began giving out the Reliever of the Month Award in 2017 that both winners came from the same city. The last occurrence was in July of 2019, when the Yankees’ Tommy Kahnle and Mets’ Seth Lugo each took home the award.