Fansided

Power ranking the AL MVP candidates following Miguel Cabrera’s injury

By Connor Muldowney

Jun 17, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder (84) points to the dugout after a double in the second inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder (84) points to the dugout after a double in the second inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 17, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) during game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) during game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Manny Machado. 6. player. 11. . 3B. Baltimore Orioles

The excitement surrounding a guy like Manny Machado is growing by the day. Machado is coming off a terrible leg injury from a year ago, and he has done nothing but excel in every aspect of the game.

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    • Having kept pace with the rest of the AL East so far this season, the Baltimore Orioles are looking to break out in the second half and take the reins of the division race. Machado can help this team do that if he keeps a hot bat.

    I’ve always liked Machado’s style of play, but will be the first to admit that I thought the 22-year-old’s career would take a huge hit after his last injury.

    Through his first three seasons in the majors, he had been taking baby steps of progression, but the 2015 campaign has provided a giant leap. Machado is hitting a cool .299 with 17 homers and 46 RBI — the first two are career-highs and the 46 RBI are on pace to break his career-mark.

    With a bit of an improved defensive approach, Machado could end up winning the MVP award and Gold Glove in the same season somewhere down the line. He is that good.

    Next: 5. Nelson Cruz, Mariners

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