Brantley named American League Player of the Week

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley was named the American League Player of the Week for the first time in his career on Monday, capping a week in which he hit .538 over seven games.

Brantley is the first Indians player to be recognized with the award since Jason Kipnis on July 1 last year.

Brantley went 14-for-26 with three doubles, two homers, three walks, three RBIs and nine runs, leading the Majors in batting average, runs and on-base percentage (.625) over the stretch. He also led the league with 23 total bases.

Brantley started the week with a bang, going 3-for-5 Monday with a solo homer, five runs scored and two walks in Cleveland's 17-7 win against the Rangers. On Sunday, he recorded his career-best fifth straight multihit game to lead the Tribe to a 3-2 win against the Red Sox.

The outfielder is hitting .322 this season, with 17 doubles, 11 homers, 45 RBIs and 49 runs in 68 games. He is second among AL outfielders in batting average and runs, third in hits, tied for third in doubles and fourth in RBIs and on-base percentage (.390). Brantley's eight outfield assists trail only Oakland's Yoenis Cespedes.

Brantley's teammate Lonnie Chisenhall (5-for-5 with a double, three homers and nine RBIs on June 9) was also recognized for his performance last week.