Cowser named American League Player of the Week

BALTIMORE-Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser was named the American League’s Player of the Week.

Cowser, who was the Orioles’ top draft pick in 2021, the fifth overall, hit .435 (10-for-23) with 4 home runs, 12 RBIs, 4 doubles, 3 walks, 2 stolen bases and a 1.130 slugging percentage.

Last week, Cowser was 6-for-13 (.462) with two homers and 10 RBIs in the Orioles’ three-game series at Fenway Park. Last Thursday, Cowser’s second home run of the night, a three-run shot, highlighted a six-run 10^th inning for the Orioles.

“He’s given us a huge spark,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “He had a heck of a week, the power, the speed, the ability to use the whole field. He’s played really good defense for us. He played a really good left field in Boston. He played center field out here the night before, the ability to take a walk and understand the strike zone.

“It’s huge for him and huge for any major league hitter, but awesome to see him come on the scene early this year and get some huge hits for us.”

Cowser hit two more home runs against Milwaukee over the weekend.

Each of the last three Orioles to win Player of the Week have been rookies. Gunnar Henderson won it on June 12^th, 2023 and Ryan Mountcastle (2021) were the others.