Markakis named AL Player of the Week

Right fielder Nick Markakis has been named the American League's Player of the Week for the period ending July 17. In four games last week, Markakis hit .429 (6-for-14) with two doubles, two home runs, four RBIs and five runs scored on his way to earning his first career AL Player of the Week honor. He's the first Oriole to be recognized since Luke Scott on July 25, 2010. Markakis tied for first in the league in home runs, runs scored and slugging percentage (1.000), and was second with 14 total bases. He also reached a career milestone during Friday night's game against the Indians by recording his 1,000th career hit with a third-inning single. Markakis is batting .333 (13-for-39) with two doubles, two homers and seven RBIs during his 10-game hitting streak. He's hit safely in 31 of his last 33 games dating to June 8, batting .396 (57-for-144) with nine doubles, five homers, 21 RBIs and 18 runs scored to raise his season average from .236 to .297. Also, Triple-A Norfolk left-hander Brian Matusz was named the International League's Pitcher of the Week after tossing seven shutout innings, allowing only three hits, against Gwinnett Saturday night. And Double-A Bowie's Mike Ballard was named the Eastern League's Pitcher of the Week after going 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings. It's an embarrassment of riches.