Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez was named the National League Player of the Week on Monday.
Fernandez went 2-0 this past week and had opposing batters looking confused early and often. The right-hander struck out 22 hitters in his 14 innings which was the best tally in Major League Baseball. Fernandez also picked up his 405th career strikeout last week and it came in only 55 total games.
Fernandez allowed only one run and eight hits in his two starts to give him a sparkling 0.64 E.R.A. The Marlins also won both of Fernandez's starts as part of their recent strong stretch.
This is the fourth time that Fernandez has been named NL Player of the Week. The other times were July 22-28 and August 19-25 of 2003 as well as March 31 - April 6, 2014. No other pitcher in franchise history has taken home the honor as many times as Fernandez.
Thus far this season, Fernandez is 5-2 with a 3.21 E.R.A. The ace is striking out 13 hitters for every nine innings pitched. This is a career-high for Fernandez and also leads all of MLB for starting pitchers in 2016. While Fernandez is walking more hitters than usual, his ability to dominate on the mound is still present as well.
The 23-year old will receive a watch as recognition of being named to the weekly honor.
