Historic April nets JJ NL Pitcher of the Month

A self-acknowledged perfectionist, two-time All-Star Josh Johnson is accustomed to success. But as impressive as he’s been in recent years, the Marlins’ ace may never have been better than how he threw this April.

The 27-year-old was 3-0 with an MLB-leading 0.88 ERA.

Johnson’s 18 hits allowed were the fewest since 1900 by a pitcher with a minimum of 40 innings before May 1. The previous low was 19, allowed by Nolan Ryan in 1978.

The historical first six starts earned Johnson the National League Pitcher of the Month. It’s the second time he has claimed the honor, previously doing so in June 2010.