 In his first six starts after Memorial Day , he improved from a 3 – 3 with a 4 @.@ 32 ERA to 7 – 3 with a 2 @.@ 97 ERA , by allowing only four earned runs over 38 ⅔ innings . He was named one of five candidates from the National League for Major League Baseball 's " All @-@ Star Final Vote " to determine the final official selection for the 2006 Major League Baseball All @-@ Star Game ; however , Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Nomar Garciaparra was elected . Nonetheless , his strong June performance – during which he allowed 16 hits and 13 walks over 30 ⅔ innings , maintained a 1 @.@ 17 ERA and struck out 34 – earned him the National League Pitcher of the Month award . His five starts in June were highlighted by a career @-@ best 12 @-@ strikeout performance on June 9 against the Florida Marlins and a June 21 win over his former team , the Texas Rangers . 
