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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 17, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Shelby Miller (17) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Shelby Miller (17) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Shelby Miller, SP, Atlanta Braves

Everyone always knew Shelby Miller had loads of talent, but he never put it all together with the St. Louis Cardinals. After not realizing his full potential in “The Lou” Miller was traded to the Braves as part of the Jason Heyward deal. So far, Atlanta has won that trade by a wide margin.

After a really nice rookie season in 2013 (15-9, 3.06 ERA), Miller regressed significantly in 2014. He finished 10-9 with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP in 183 innings, but there were some really surprising trends deep inside the numbers. His strikeout rate dropped from 23.4 percent in 2013 to 16.6 percent in 2014 (league average was 20.5 percent), and his walk rate ballooned to 9.6 percent (league average: 7.6 percent). His Fielding Independent Pitching number also went from 3.67 to an awful 4.54.

But in 2015 Miller is a new man. In eight starts with the Braves, the 24-year-old is 5-1 with a 1.33 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP. He already has two complete-game shutouts, and in 54 innings he has allowed just 29 hits and eight earned runs. His WAR of 2.4 is ties him with Harang for the top mark in the National League.

Basically, Miller has finally become the guy many expected. He has phenomenal stuff and always has. In Atlanta he has gotten a change in scenery and the chance to become a team’s ace for a long time. He has certainly taken advantage of that opportunity.

Next: Dallas Keuchel

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