Danny Espinosa named NL Player of the Week

Danny Espinosa's remarkable recent performance at the plate has earned him recognition around the baseball world.

Espinosa was named National League Player of the Week, a fitting honor for the infielder who put on a prodigious power display over the last seven days.

Espinosa hit .423 with five homers and 17 RBIs, most of that coming during the Nationals' four-game series against the Reds. He hit two homers (including a grand slam) and drove in seven runs during Thursday night's win, then smacked two more dingers (including another grand slam) during Sunday's victory.

Each time, the switch-hitter homered from both sides of the plate, the first player in franchise history to do so even once.

"It's probably the best week I've ever had," Espinosa said. "Really good. I had a lot of fun. Being able to contribute to the wins, that obviously felt really good, too, to be a big part of this team and help this team win games."

Espinosa is only the fifth shortstop in baseball history to hit two grand slams in the same series, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He may not have realized that at the time, but he did admit knowing how well he was hitting during the stretch.

"You're aware of it," he said. "You're seeing the ball well. You're driving the balls you're supposed to drive. You're not missing the pitches that you're getting. You can draw out at-bats and get comfortable. You're very aware of where you're at."

Espinosa finished the week with an MLB-best 1.077 slugging percentage and 1.593 OPS.

"I don't know if anybody could have done any better," manager Dusty Baker said.