Kipnis named AL Player of the Week

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Indians' Jason Kipnis was named American League Player of the Week on Monday, but he didn't find out from the league or the club.

He got the news when friends began texting him congratulations.

"With social media nowadays, my friends saw it before I even saw it," Kipnis said. "They sent me some congrats texts. They knew before I did."

Kipnis knocked two home runs on Friday against Detroit to start his second half. The Tribe took three of four from the Tigers thanks in part to Kipnis' .333 average (5-for-15) and six RBIs.

"I'm hoping to have a big second half, so I wanted to get out to a good start, and we had a few big games against Detroit," Kipnis said. "To be able to go out and do it was reassuring. It took a little pressure off, but it's just a step in the right direction that I want to keep going in."

After making his first career All-Star Game appearance last season, Kipnis hasn't been as effective this year. But if this weekend was any indication, he could be returning to an elite level of play.

"I've been saying this the whole time: Let him go," manager Terry Francona said. "He'll be fine. Guys don't always get to their numbers either as quickly as they like or as consistently. But good players get there. It never fails. As long as they stay healthy, they find their way. Kip is no different."