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Cleveland Indians: 5 players who surprised in April

By Michael Smith

Apr 27, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder Abraham Almonte (35) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder Abraham Almonte (35) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-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 /

5. Michael Brantley

While Michael Brantley’s .298 average, five home runs and 17 RBI through 22 games are not a far cry from what he has shown in the past, it’s very impressive how he has performed after only playing in 11 games in 2016. This is the guy the Indians sorely needed after the injury to Jason Kipnis, and he has really delivered.

His 2014 season is the only truly remarkable year he has put together, when he hit .327 with 20 home runs and 97 RBI and with him turning 30 on May 15, there were a lot of questions if he could return to be an everyday player and produce. He has answered those questions and he has answered them emphatically.

There’s a lot of season left, and the Indians are counting on Brantley to continue that production. Still, they have to be thrilled with what they’ve gotten from him this far, as it appears that he’s not just back, he’s ready to make an impact on this team and get the chance to experience what he missed out on last year.

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