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 25, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Scott Feldman (37) pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Scott Feldman (37) pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Reds: Scott Feldman

After holding onto first place in the NL Central into the third week of the season, the Reds have drifted back down to earth. No real surprise that this team is not ready to contend, as they are realistically still three years away from even sniffing .500. Give the Reds credit for starting the year ready to play and jumping a few teams that will ultimately leave them in the dust by June.

Scott Feldman took the ball for Cincinnati on Opening Day — which speaks to the fact that the Reds were not expected to be very good this season. The veteran right-hander has given Cincinnati five very good starts to kick off the year. He has a 3.25 ERA, and has allowed two runs or fewer in three of his starts.

Feldman has had great success with his big sweeping curveball in 2017. Opponents are batting just .065 against his hook. He has shown enough command with his sinker and cutter to get ahead in the count and go to his curve to put hitters away.

The pitcher who was once traded for Jake Arrieta has been very steady and dependable the past four seasons, finishing with an ERA below 4.00 in each. He has a good feel for pitching to contact and has been able to use his curveball for more strikeouts this season. If this continues, the Reds will be able to flip Feldman for a nice prospect package at the deadline.

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