Yankees' Sanchez bashes way to POW honors

New York Yankees rookie backstop Gary Sanchez has quickly earned himself high honors in MLB, as the catcher was named the American League's Player of the Week on Monday.

Sanchez has been on a tear since he was dubbed the team's primary catcher over Brian McCann by manager Joe Girardi on Wednesday. In the eligible seven-day span, Sanchez slashed .524/.600/1.190 with four home runs and six RBIs.

The 23-year-old is now the first Yankees catcher to earn Player of the Week distinction since Thurman Munson in 1976.

Arizona Diamondbacks hurler Robbie Ray was given the same honor in the National League. The southpaw went 2-0 while crafting a 1.50 ERA and recording 18 strikeouts to earn the award.