Houston Astros and Oakland A's Scott Kazmir AL pitcher of the month of July

Scott Kazmir is gone to the Houston Astros, but that doesn't mean we can't appreciate what he did with the Oakland Athletics for his last calendar month with the A's, earning the American League's pitcher of the month award for July. Kazmir made five starts and had a 0.26 ERA in 34 innings (that's one earned run in July) while striking out 24, walking six, and allowing zero home runs.

With the A's, Kazmir made three starts. First, he went eight scoreless innings in his first start on July 2 against the Seattle Mariners, taking a perfect game into the fifth inning:

On July 8, Kazmir exited his start after only three innings with tricep tightness, but still struck out four batters and allowed just an unearned run.

In his third and final start for the A's on July 18, Kazmir struck out five over 8⅓ innings, and left to another standing ovation as the crowd wondered whether it would be his last start for the green and gold:

As it turns out, it was. The A's sent Kazmir to the Houston Astros for two prospects: catcher Jacob Nottingham and pitcher Daniel Mengden.

Kazmir's fourth start was in Houston on July 24 against the Kansas City Royals, tossing seven innings of three-hit scoreless ball:

Finally, Kazmir made his Minute Maid Park debut for the Astros on July 30 against the Los Angeles Angels, going 7⅔ innings while striking out five and walking three:

Scott gave us everything he had until the end of his time with the A's, and he deserves a tip of the cap. Thanks for everything Scott.