Out of Obscurity, Mercedes and Mullins Shine Early

In the first few games of the season, hot streaks are magnified — although this performance by Yermín Mercedes would have probably stood out any time. Mercedes became the first player since at least 1900 to began the season with eight consecutive hits. He added another hit Sunday night for the Chicago White Sox and is now 9 for 14 on the season. Not bad for a 28-year-old rookie who had only one major league at-bat before this year. Speaking of surprises, that’s the Baltimore Orioles sitting atop the AL East after sweeping three games in Boston by a combined score of 18-5. Baltimore's Cedric Mullins went 9 for 13 in that series.