The Boston Red Sox have taken the struggles of David Ortiz to heart and moved him down into the sixth spot in the lineup. The former star has been slumping big time on the season and entered the week with a paltry .195 batting average and only one home run on the season. He has managed to put together 18 RBI's but the team simply needs more from their third batter in the lineup. The hope that manager Terry Francona has is that Ortiz can become more comfortable lower in the lineup where there is a lot less pressure to produce every time you step up to the plate. Mike Lowell was also held out of action this week and has played in every game but one this season, and needed a break for his aging body.
The New York Mets are quickly becoming a breathing, walking hospital as they have placed shortstop Jose Reyes on the 15 day DL along with outfielder Ryan Church. To try and replace these players in the lineup the Mets recalled shortstop Wilson Valdez and outfielder Fernando Martinez. Reyes has not been able to play in a game since May 20 due to a nagging calf injury and will be sorely missed in the lineup until he can return. Church was also producing rather well on the season with a .272 batting average however has been held back by a strained hamstring.
Martinez has been a pleasant surprise for the team as he has batted .291 in Triple A with eight home runs and 28 RBI's. He has the ability to play right or left field and will be called to do so, especially with Carlos Beltran sitting out the next few games as well. Lesser expectations are being put on Valdez who was acquired from the Indians for cash and has only been able to produce a .198 batting average in Triple A on the year.
Miguel Tejada of the Houston Astros was named the NL player of the week thanks in large part to his 4 multi-hit games. Tejada put together 3 home runs, three doubles, 4 RBI's and 5 runs scored on the week. He led the entire league with 12 hits on the week and a 1.043 slugging percentage as well.
Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins won the weekly award for the American League. The young catcher led the league with a batting average of .458 and compiled four home runs and 25 total bases on the week. He led the entire league with 13 RBI's and 13 runs scored as well. His slugging percentage was off the charts at 1.042 and his on base percentage came in at .516. This was a breakout week for Mauer as he continues to try and lead the Twins alongside their other young star, Justin Morneau. Mauer just barely beat out New York Yankees slugger Mark Texeira for the award.
Drill Down:
Boston Red Sox,
Mike Lowell,
New York Mets,
Fernando Martinez,
Carlos Beltran
