Bregman, Baez named Players of the Week
Major League Baseball recognized last week's top performers Monday, naming the Astros' Alex Bregman and the Cubs' Javier Báez as Players of the Week presented by W.B. Mason in the American and National Leagues, respectively. It's the first such award for both players.
Bregman, who also won AL Player of the Month, wrapped up a torrid month at the plate by batting .464/.516/1.179 (13-for-28) with 10 RBIs and two stolen bases last week. Ten of his 13 hits went for extra bases, including five home runs. The 24-year-old third baseman's production helped Houston to a franchise-record 11 consecutive road wins. Even in defeat, Bregman homered to plate the Astros' only runs Friday and Saturday as the streak came to an end.
"Obviously, he's seeing the ball well, he's hitting pitchers and doing damage -- all the things you want out of a hitter when he gets pitches to hit," Houston manager AJ Hinch said after Saturday's game against the Rays.
This browser does not support the video element.
Bregman is the third Astros player to win Player of the Week honors in 2018. He joins starting pitcher Justin Verlander and catcher Evan Gattis.
Baez, meanwhile, batted .483/.467/.897 (14-for-29) with six doubles, two homers and 11 RBIs. On Tuesday, Baez helped snap the Cubs' five-game losing streak by collecting four hits, including a double, a solo homer and a grand slam, and driving in five runs in Chicago's 9-4 win against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
This browser does not support the video element.
"I kind of threw the kitchen sink at him and he hit it all, so I'm not sure [how to get Baez out]," Dodgers starter Ross Stripling said. "We'll have to hopefully play him in October and get him out then."
Baez is the first Cubs player to win the award since Anthony Rizzo and Willson Contreras did so in August of last season. Cubs left-hander Jon Lester was also recognized Monday as NL Pitcher of the Month.