July 7, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO -- Jonathan Sanchez of the San Francisco Giants has been named Bank of America Presents the National League Player of the Week for the period ending June 29th.

Bank of America, the Official Bank of Major League Baseball, is the presenting sponsor of the National League and American League Player of the Week Awards, which reflect Bank of America's long-standing tradition of promoting and recognizing higher standards of accomplishment.

Last week, Sanchez went 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA, tossing 14.2 innings in which he allowed two earned runs on nine hits. The 25-year-old southpaw hurler ranked second in innings pitched and tied for second with 14 strikeouts. On June 24th at Cleveland, the native of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico tossed 7.2 innings, allowing one earned run on five hits and striking out eight batters. Then, on June 29th at Oakland, Sanchez threw 7.0 innings, allowing one earned run on four hits and striking out six.

The third-year Major Leaguer has recorded eight strikeouts in three of his June starts (others: 6/2 vs. NY and 6/17 vs. DET) and twice this season has struck out 10 batters (4/9 vs. SD and 4/25 vs. CIN). Sanchez, a first-time weekly award recipient, is 8-4 with a 3.79 ERA with 102 strikeouts in his 102.0 innings across 17 starts this year. 

Tourneau, the world's largest watch store, will award Jonathan Sanchez with a luxury Swiss Timepiece, suitably engraved, in recognition of his accomplishments as Bank of America Presents the National League Player of the Week.