What happened: Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero was named the American League Player of the Week, while Washington Nationals first baseman Luis García Jr. claimed the National League award. The two infielders headlined the league's weekly recognition for their offensive production.
Why it matters: Caminero has emerged as one of the most productive bats in the American League and a centerpiece of a Tampa Bay lineup that has stayed in the AL East mix. For García Jr. and a .500 Washington club, the honor underscores a steadying presence in the middle of the Nationals' order.
By the numbers: Over a recent 66-game stretch, Caminero has hit .298 with a .387 on-base percentage and a .956 OPS, adding 19 home runs (tied for third in MLB) and 44 RBI. Caminero's bat has anchored a Rays group that Mark DeRosa called as good as any infield trio in baseball.
What to watch: Watch whether Caminero carries the weekly recognition into the AL All-Star third-base race, and whether García Jr. keeps Washington near the break-even line in the standings.