Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images In news that is best classified as a foregone conclusion rather than a surprise, Jacob deGrom has officially been named National League Pitcher of the Month for April. This is inexplicably the first time that deGrom has earned the honor in his illustrious career. The two-time Cy Young award winner got started early on his campaign for his third award in four years thanks to a superb first month of the 2021 season. As is usually the case with deGrom, the numbers are eye-opening and yet still don’t tell the whole story. On the month, the ace made five starts and led the league with a 0.51 ERA, a 760 ERA+, 4.1 H/9, 15.2 K/9, a 48.0% K%, and 59 strikeouts. The latter matched a major league record set by Nolan Ryan for the most punch outs through a pitcher’s first five starts of a season. He had three straight outings of 14-plus strikeouts, with his 15-strikeout performance on April 23 against the Washington Nationals setting a career-best mark. He has also posted a 0.83 FIP and a 0.57 WHIP in 35.0 innings, and concluded the month with a 2.1 bWAR.