Braves' Justin Upton wins Silver Slugger award among NL outfielders
For the second time in his brief, but prodigious major-league career on Thursday, Justin Upton claimed a Silver Slugger award -- given to baseball's top offensive producers at their respective position.
Upton's first Silver Slugger came in 2011 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The veteran left fielder, who joined the Braves prior to the 2013 campaign, via trade, notched 29 homers and a career-high 102 RBI this past season. His April production was particularly stellar, accounting for eight homers, 18 RBI, a .326 batting average and 1.041 OPS during that month.
For his eight-year career, Upton has tallied 164 homers, 535 RBI, 609 runs, 96 steals, a .274 batting average and lifetime on-base percentage of .354. The 27-year-old has also bashed 25-plus doubles five times, including 34 in 2014.
Justin Upton's award coincides with Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons and right fielder Jason Heyward capturing Gold Glove awards this week, citing their supreme defensive work. In fact, Heyward took home Defensive Player of the Year honors on Wednesday.
Here's a list of the Silver Slugger recipients:
AMERICAN LEAGUE
First base: Jose Abreu, White Sox
Second base: Jose Altuve, Astros
Third base: Adrian Beltre, Rangers
Shortstop: Alexei Ramirez, White Sox
Outfield: Mike Trout, Angels
Outfield: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays
Outfield: Michael Brantley, Indians
Catcher: Yan Gomes, Indians
Designated hitter: Victor Martinez, Tigers
NATIONAL LEAGUE
First base: Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers
Second base: Neil Walker, Pirates
Third base: Anthony Rendon, Nationals
Shortstop: Ian Desmond, Nationals
Outfield: Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
Outfield: Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins
Outfield: Justin Upton, Braves
Catcher: Buster Posey, Giants
Pitcher: Madison Bumgarner, Giants
