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; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets right fielder Jay Bruce (19) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a three run homer in the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets right fielder Jay Bruce (19) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a three run homer in the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Mets: Jay Bruce

Were it not for Jay Bruce, the Mets could be looking at an even worse start to the 2017 season. Riddled by injuries, the Mets are in last place, looking up at the red-hot Washington Nationals with an inconsistent offense. Bruce batted .292/.370/.584 in April, carrying the offense through the absences of Yoenis Cespedes, Lucas Duda, David Wright, and Travis d’Arnaud.

Bruce leads the Mets with seven homers and 19 RBI. He has helped redeem himself to Mets fans after batting .219/.294/.391 after being acquired from Cincinnati at the deadline last season. Bruce has always had a reputation as a streaky hitter during his 10-year career, and there is no real way to determine when his current heater will end.

The Mets have also gotten more production out of Michael Conforto than expected. Their first-round pick in 2104 has struggled to establish his presence in a crowded lineup filled with corner outfielders. The injury to Cespedes and the struggles of Curtis Granderson have opened the door for Conforto to see more playing time, and he has taken the opportunity and run with it. He is hitting .321 on the year with an OPS of 1.055 and six home runs and 13 RBI. Even when Cespedes is healthy, Conforto will have to continue seeing regular at-bats. He has earned them, proving himself as much more than a platoon option off the bench.

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