Jose Fernandez, Steve Cishek Named NL Players of the Week
Jul 28, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Steve Cishek (31) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Both Jose Fernandez and Steve Cishek were rewarded Monday afternoon for having big weeks for their team, the Miami Marlins. Marlins ace Jose Fernandez and closer Steve Cishek were named co-winners of the National League Player of the Week Award.
Fernandez won both his starts in the week, beating the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates, two teams that are still fighting for a playoff spot. Fernandez pitched 15 innings this week, allowing just four earned runs on ten hits. He struck 21 hitters and only walked a pair.
Fernandez had his best start of the season, recording a Marlins rookie franchise record with 13 strikeouts. His strong performance of late has his ERA/FIP down to 2.71/2.99, putting him squarely into the mix for National League Rookie of the Year.
Steve Cishek on the other hand racked up five saves during the week, including both starts by Fernandez. Cishek pitched five scoreless innings for the week and allowed just four hits. He is in a middle of a 16 straight save conversion run currently, even though he has not been his sharpest in his previous two outings. On the season, Cishek owns a 2.89 ERA and has converted 22 saves in 24 opportunities.
Cishek has drawn considerable attention on the trade market, but the Marlins are only willing to move the right hander for a team’s top prospect, making it unlikely that he is dealt before Wednesday’s trading deadline.
Giancarlo Stanton, a teammate of the award winning duo, had a big week at the plate as well. Stanton had a .478/.600/1.087 slash line for the week, along with 3 home runs, 5 doubles, and 7 runs scored. Stanton was retired just twice all series against the Pirates.