Houston Astros' Josh Hader earns American League accolade for August after scoreless month

Houston Astros closer Josh Hader was named the American League reliever of the month for August, the league announced Thursday.

Hader did not allow a run in 13 appearances in August. Over 14 ⅓ innings, the left-hander allowed four hits, issued one walk and struck out 15 of 48 batters faced. He converted all seven of his save attempts.

The monthly honor is the ninth of Hader's career. That is second-most for any reliever, after Edwin Díaz 's 10 recognitions, since the reliever of the month award was introduced in 2005, per the league.

After missing the season's first two months on the injured list, Hader entered Thursday with a 0.72 ERA in 38 outings. He was 22-for-22 in save chances with a .111 opponents batting average and 35.8% strikeout rate.

Hader, who is in the third season of a five-year, $95 million deal, made his 500th career appearance last month. He is one of three pitchers to be named reliever of the month with three different teams - also receiving the recognition with the Brewers and Padres - along with Aroldis Chapman and Craig Kimbrel .