Few things get baseball fans more fired up than a good redemption story. When a player falls from grace or fails to live up to expectations, we look ahead to the second act, and that he can hopefully salvage that rough start. When that rebound happens, both player and team get to taste sweet vindication.
This week’s four featured teams all have redemption stories to tell. Cesar Hernandez has given the rebuilding Phillies another on-base and speed threat. Pirates pitcher whisperer Ray Searage has uncovered another hidden gem in Ivan Nova. Justin Upton has caught fire at just the right time for the surging Tigers.