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 26, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (23) celebrates after scoring during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (23) celebrates after scoring during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Indians: Michael Brantley

After injuries limited Michael Brantley to only 11 games in 2016, the Indians had to be fearful that their All-Star outfielder was set to turn into the next Grady Sizemore, the former future face of the franchise who just could not stay on the field during his time in Cleveland. When he was briefly healthy last year, Brantley batted just .231/.279/.282, a far cry from the .319/.382/.494 line he put up in 2014 and 2015 with 90 doubles, 35 home runs, and 38 stolen bases.

Brantley has bounced back with a strong month of April to kick off the season, showing that he is still a five-tool player that the Indians can count on. He batted .297/.358/.514 with four doubles and four home runs. His hot start has helped the Indians make up for a slow start from their starting rotation.

With a healthy Brantley back in the mix, the Indians have one of the most dangerous and dynamic lineups in the American League. Francisco Lindor has continued taking the next step to establish himself as the premier shortstop in baseball. Jose Ramirez is also off to a strong start. Cleveland has only one dominant power threat in the lineup in Edwin Encarnacion, who is off to a slow start in his first year with the team. The rest of the lineup is capable of hitting 20-25 home runs, but is dangerous for its ability to string together doubles and stolen bases, always keeping the pressure on. It’s good to have Brantley back in that mix and doing what he does best.

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