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 16, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher James Shields (33) delivers a pitch during the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher James Shields (33) delivers a pitch during the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago White Sox: James Shields

The White Sox are one of the most surprising teams in the league. After their fire sale at the Winter Meetings, they were expected to contend for the worst record in baseball, but will close April with a winning record. With very low expectations, there have obviously been a handful of very surprising performances helping to keep the White Sox afloat.

In any other year, Avisail Garcia would claim the title as most surprising player for the White Sox. He finished the month of April with a .388/.430/.638 line with five home runs and 19 RBI. Blessed with great raw tools, Garcia had batted just .250/.308/.380 over the past three seasons for the White Sox, which always made him a popular DFA or non-tender candidate. Garcia’s hot start comes with a huge caveat — it’s not sustainable in the least bit. His batting average on balls in play for the month was close to .500, but his average exit velocity and launch angle do not support such a high mark.

While Garcia has been a great story, the biggest surprise for the White Sox has been James Shield, who looked done as a useful MLB starter last season. Shields went 4-12 for Chicago last year with a 6.77 ERA and 2.4 HR/9. Through three starts in April, the right-hander has a 1.66 ERA. Sure, it’s definitely all smoke and mirrors at this point for Shields, and he has walked 5.4 per nine while allowing 1.6 homers per nine. Shields is on the DL with a lat strain, and when he does return, his ERA will eventually spike in the wrong direction, so enjoy it while it lasts.

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