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; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Astros: Dallas Keuchel

If Dallas Keuchel could have guaranteed that his 2017 season would fall somewhere in between his Cy Young effort of 2015 and his injury-plagued struggles of 2016, most Astros fans would have gladly taken it. Through six starts, Keuchel is 5-0 with a 1.21 ERA and has allowed only 25 hits in 44.2 innings for a .164 BAA. Opponents have a minuscule OPS against Keuchel of .502 with a 2.41 GO/AO ratio.

Keuchel has pitched more seven innings in each of his starts this year, and has allowed more than one earned run only once. His two-seam fastball and changeup have been working to perfection. Keuchel’s sinker has been good for a grounder at a nearly 80 percent clip, and he has converted nine of 18 double-play opportunities. Even without blistering velocity, Keuchel has pounded the bottom of the zone with his sinker, and the league has not been able to do anything with it.

This is the pitcher the Astros need to put themselves over the top. Keuchel is the ace that Houston was waiting for, especially as Lance McCullers battles inconsistency. If Keuchel can continue forcing hitters to pound his sinker into the ground, he will continue to pile up wins and could make another run at the Cy Young. With a healthy shoulder, Keuchel is exceeding even the most optimistic projections that were made entering the year.

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