New York, NY (Sports Network) - Oakland Athletics second baseman Mark Ellis has been named the American League Player of the Week for the period ending August 16.
Ellis batted an AL-best .571 (12-for-21) in six games last week, which included a career-high five-hit effort on August 10 against Baltimore. He also hit a game-ending homer in the bottom of the ninth on Sunday, giving the A's a 3-2 win over the White Sox.
Ellis had a total of 11 RBI last week on the way to his first career weekly award.
Others considered for the honor included New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter, who led the AL with 14 hits and broke the all-time record for most career hits by a shortstop; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jason Bay, who led the AL with four homers; Texas Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton; and Minnesota Twins pitcher Scott Baker.