New York, NY (Best E Casino) - Detroit Tigers rookie outfielder Matt Joyce has been named the American League Player of the Week for the period ending July 13.

Joyce, 24, earned the award for the first time after hitting .409 (9-for-22) with four home runs, four doubles and six runs batted in for the week. In a four-game weekend series against Minnesota, Joyce went 6-for-17 and clubbed three homers.

For the season, the Tampa native is hitting .266 with nine homers and 18 RBI in just 31 games with the Tigers.

Joyce's teammate, pitcher Justin Verlander, was also considered for the award after posting a 2-0 record with a 2.57 earned run average and striking out 15 in 14 innings.

Other candidates for the honor included five All-Stars; outfielder Josh Hamilton of the Rangers, first baseman Justin Morneau of the Twins and pitcher Ervin Santana of the Angels, Roy Halladay of the Blue Jays and Justin Duchscherer of the A's.