Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
George Springer was the most talked-about baseball prospect in recent years. He was called up to the majors in early April and played in his first game on April 16. Fantasy owners rushed to the waiver wire to add the young outfielder. Unfortunately, those owners were disappointed with Springer’s stats in April. Something must have clicked for him because he turned it around in May and is playing how every fantasy analyst expected him to.
Springer’s April was very disappointing to say the least. In 14 games, he hit zero home runs and drove in just four runs on his way to a .182 average and .262 on-base percentage. Many will chalk it up to nerves or getting used to the speed and level of talent at the major league level.
May was a pivotal month for the rookie. Another month like he had in April and many would have called him a bust. Luckily, Springer didn’t let that happen. He has hit all seven of his home runs in May, including four in his last three games, with a .291 average and .371 OBP.
Springer has gone three straight game with a home run and drove in eight RBI in those games. He is now hitting .246 with seven home runs and 22 RBI. He is also in the middle of a seven-game hitting streak. Springer’s success and production is welcomed in the Houston Astros lineup. Jose Altuve and Jason Castro can’t drive in all the runs.
Springer is still not owned in 100 percent of ESPN.com leagues. He is available in just about 15 percent of leagues. With the recent power surge and rise in average and OBP, Springer would provide a spark to any fantasy team.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @BPiv_Sports.
