Abreu named co-AL Player of the Week

DETROIT -- Although the White Sox stood as a breakeven team during this past week, Jose Abreu continued to swing the bat like a first-place standout.

The White Sox first baseman was named co-American League Player of the Week with Texas Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder for the period of Sept. 14-20. Abreu, 28, hit .458 (11-for-24) with two doubles, two home runs, nine RBIs, a .552 on-base percentage and 1.343 OPS over six games to earn his third career weekly honor (also April 21-27 last season and July 27-Aug. 2 this season).

Abreu hit safely in all six games, recorded an RBI in four of the contests and has hit safely in 15 of his last 19 games. He needs one homer to join Albert Pujols and Ryan Braun as the only players to have at least 30 homers in each of their first two big league seasons and needs five RBIs and one homer to join Pujols as the only players with at least 30 homers and 100 RBIs in each of their first two seasons.

A primary goal for Abreu simply is to finish strong.

"That is my goal. I think that is the goal for everybody," said Abreu through interpreter and White Sox Spanish language broadcaster Billy Russo after the White Sox 2-0 victory in Game 1 of a split doubleheader Monday at Comerica Park. "When you are in a long season, you always try to finish the season strong, to give you the feeling you have a good season. I am working hard for that, and I'm trying to improve my numbers."

Since the All-Star break, Abreu has 18 doubles, 15 homers, 49 RBIs, 33 extra-base hits and 136 total bases. Abreu and outfielder Adam Eaton (also July 27-Aug. 2) are the only White Sox to receive a weekly honor this season.

"I am glad to have this one," Abreu said. "I was surprised, I didn't expect it, but I am very glad to have that."