Hiroshima Carp right-hander Hiroki Kuroda was named the MVP for the month of July after winning all four starts, including a shutout, during the month, the Central League said Wednesday.
Kuroda won the award for the third time, the first since May 2005, while teammate Kenta Kurihara picked up the monthly award in the position player category for the first time as the infielder led the league with seven home runs and 19 RBIs.
The Pacific League selected Seibu Lions closer Chikara Onodera and Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters outfielder Atsunori Inaba for the monthly MVP awards.
Onodera picked up three wins and four saves with a 0.77 ERA in nine relief appearances, helping Seibu stay atop the PL standings. Inaba posted a league-high .414 batting average in July. Both players won the award for the first time in their careers.