Fansided

Each MLB team’s most surprising player from April

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Eric Thames (7) hits a double to drive in two runs in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Eric Thames (7) hits a double to drive in two runs in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 19, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA;Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA;Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers: Miguel Cabrera

Even the best hitters are allowed to slump from time to time, but it is just so out of the ordinary to see Miguel Cabrera start the month of April extremely slowly. Cabrera has batted above .300 for every month of the season throughout his career, including .321/.401/.561 in April. A groin strain cut his April short in 2017, but he hit just .268/.369/.468, and needed five games to pick up his first hits of the season.

Before Cabrera landed on the DL, he had hit safely in seven of eight games, including two three-hit games to raise his batting average up from .107. It is still far too early to label this slow start and injury the beginning of the inevitable downfall of Miguel Cabrera, and he does get the benefit of the doubt until the middle of the season.

The Tigers entered the year with one of the oldest lineups in the major leagues. They have gotten inconsistent offense and starting pitching, which has led to a .500 start to the year. Cabrera’s slow start cannot continue when he comes off the DL if the Tigers are going to make it back to the playoffs this year. Cabrera’s start is not even the worst on the team. Ian Kinsler, Victor Martinez, and Justin Verlander would all like to restart the season if they could.

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