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MLB Awards Watch 2016: Top 5 AL MVP candidates through April

By Tim Haberin

Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a double during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a double during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. David Ortiz

Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

.321/.418/.654, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 1.2 WAR (as of 4/30)

Well, you can’t say Big Papi isn’t making the most of his final year in Major League Baseball. David Ortiz is putting on a show for his hometown fans, batting a hearty .321 (11th in AL) with 19 RBIs (3rd) at his usual spot in the heart of the Red Sox lineup. His 1.071 OPS is currently the highest mark in the AL. Surprisingly, he also boasts 11 doubles, tied for the MLB lead.

Ortiz’s five homers may not seem particularly notable compared to the totals amassed by other sluggers, but fans in Boston will be glad that the most recent two came against the archrival New York Yankees.

An MVP award to culminate his swan song may be a bit too optimistic, but Ortiz put together an impressive month of April for which he deserves some props. It definitely doesn’t look like he’ll be limping to the finish line.

Next: Jose Altuve

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