KANSAS CITY -- Outfielder George Springer on Monday was named the American League Player of the Week for May 29-June 4. This is the first time this season an Astros player has been earned the honor.
Springer hit .500 (15-for-30) with 11 runs scored, one double, five home runs, nine RBIs and a 1.565 OPS for the Astros, who had won 10 in a row after sweeping the Rangers on Sunday. During the week, Springer led the AL in runs, hits, home runs, slugging and OPS. Springer entered Monday's series opener against the Royals with a nine-game hitting streak and he had scored at least one run in each of his previous eight games.
"It's special, I guess," Springer said. "I'm happy about the team. The way the team's been playing over this past month has been great, and I'm happy to be one of a lot of guys that have contributed to it."
On Wednesday in Minnesota, Springer matched a franchise record by reaching base safely in all six of his plate appearances, going 4-for-4 with two home runs and two walks. One of those home runs was projected at 471 feet, the second-longest home run of the season, according to Statcast™. He hit two homers again on Sunday in a win over the Rangers.
"It was an incredible week," manager A.J. Hinch said. "Once again, we had a couple of guys that could have been nominated for that. Good recognition and one of the most dominant weeks that you'll see out of George. Obviously, the big home runs, the on base, the slugging. Most people associate it to offense, but his defense has been really good as well. He's been a spark for us in a really good team week."
Five Astros won Player of the Week Awards last year: Tyler White (April 4-10), Jose Altuve (April 11-17), Colby Rasmus (April 18-24) and Carlos Correa twice (June 20-26, Aug. 8-14).
They've had three monthly awards so far this season with Dallas Keuchel winning April Pitcher of the Month, Lance McCullers earned Pitcher of the Month honors and Correa winning Player of the Month for May.