American Association Daily provides insights and features on the American Association of Professional Baseball League, as well as player and coaching profiles and transactions going on with teams around the league. In today’s edition, Robert Pannier names the Minor League Sports Report Player and Pitcher of the Week for the first week of the American Association season. 

First Week Player, Pitcher of the Week Honorees Named

The 2018 American Association season is underway, and the Minor League Sports Report has named their Player and Pitcher of the Week honorees for the first week of the season. Sioux City Explorers catcher Daniel Jackson has been named the Player of the Week for May 17-20, while Lincoln Saltdogs starter Michael Tamburino was named Pitcher of the Week.

Player of the Week: Daniel Jackson, Sioux City Explorers

Daniel Jackson is off to a fast start for the Sioux City Explorers, hitting .583 (7-12) through four games, ranked second in the league. The catcher is first in runs scored with 5 and has added 3 RBI as well.

Jackson has opened the season with hits in all four contests. That included a 3-4 night on May 19, when he scored 3 runs to help pace the Explorers to a 14-6 victory over the Saltdogs. Sunday, the Sioux City Explorers catcher had his first multiple RBI game of the season, and second since joining the Explorers in 2017.

Also earning mention are Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks outfielder Keury De La Cruz, who also hit .583 through the first weekend and leads the league with a 1.726 OPS, and Gary Southshore RailCats infielder Garrett Copeland, who is hitting .600 (6-10) to lead the American Association.

Pitcher of the Week: Michael Tamburino – Lincoln Saltdogs

Michael Tamburino made a grand entrance to the American Association, tossing 6.1 no-hit innings in his debut in a game the Lincoln Saltdogs won 4-3. The right-hander had a perfect game through six innings, but came out after walking two in the seventh. He struck out 4.

Overall, Tamburino faced 21 batters, throwing 83 pitches, 57 of which went for strikes. Tamburino moved to 1-o with the victory.

There were several other starters who did not allow a run in their debuts this season.

The American Association also named Tamburino and Jackson as their Pitcher and Player of the Week.

By Robert Pannier
Member of the IBWAA