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MLB: 5 biggest surprise performances of the 2015 season so far

By Ryan Phillips

May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Wil Myers against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Wil Myers against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Wil Myers, OF/1B, San Diego Padres

While Myers is currently on the disabled list with tendinitis in his left wrist, the start of his first campaign as a member of the Padres has been fantastic. Without a true leadoff hitter on his roster, San Diego manager Bud Black decided to give Myers a shot at the job and he hasn’t looked back.

The 24-year-old was the American League Rookie of the Year for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013, but had a dismal 2014 as he battled injuries to both wrists. He arrived in San Diego as part of general manager A.J. Preller’s incredible rebuilding project and looks to have regained his form from 2013 and actually improved on it.

Before landing on the DL, Myers was hitting .291 with a .340 on-base percentage and an .833 OPS. He had five home runs and 19 RBIs, is still eighth in the National League in runs scored (29) and had 39 hits in 32 games played.

Myers is a big part of San Diego’s future, and while he’s likely going to play first base when he comes off the disabled list, his long-term spot is probably left field. If Justin Upton goes elsewhere in free agency after the season, Myers will almost certainly take his spot in the outfield.

People have always expected Myers to be a stud at the big-league level, but after a rough 2014, some soured on him. He’s proving his doubters wrong so far in 2015.

Next: Bartolo Colon

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