White Sox surprised Melky Cabrera wasn't named Player of Week

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Technically, Melky Cabrera had the lowest OPS of those White Sox eligible to win the American League Player of the Week award.

But that he didn’t win it Monday, while teammates Adam Eaton and Jose Abreu shared the honor, seemed to catch everyone in the White Sox clubhouse off guard, including the winners themselves. Abreu had a .400/.500/.880 slash line with three doubles, three home runs, 10 RBIs and seven runs, and Eaton hit .517/.600/.793 with three doubles, a triple, a home run, four RBIs and 10 runs.

Cabrera hit .483/.516/.828 with five doubles, a triple, a homer and eight RBIs.

“I don’t know how he didn’t win,” Eaton said. “I don’t know how there couldn’t be three because Melky’s been on fire here lately, as well.”

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Mike Trout hit 12 homers and was named the AL Player of the Month for July on Monday. But Cabrera was a pretty strong candidate, too, hitting .369/.393/.631 with 13 doubles, a triple, four homers and 23 RBIs after a solid finish in June. Cabrera was the driving force behind an offense that scored 56 runs on its recent 7-1 road trip.

“As soon as someone said we had a player of the week, I figured it was him,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “But it’s nice that we’ve had a few options that could have been that guy. Offensively, to win games and to go on a bit of a run, you’re going to need more guys than just one to be hot. We’ve got some guys that are swinging the bats well.”

Abreu thinks several of his teammates were worthy candidates and is pleased to share the award. He also said his ankle/foot feels fine a day after he fouled a pitch off the area.

“(Eaton) also had a very good week, and he has been outstanding for us,” Abreu said through an interpreter. “He has been one of the keys for our success right now.

“Being honest, I think (Cabrera) deserves it. He deserves the award.”

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