Kang Jung-ho named the NL Player of the Week

Kang Jung-ho named the NL Player of the Week. September. 14, 2016 07:01. by 임보미기자 bom@donga.com. Kang Jung-ho (29) of the Pittsburgh Pirates has been named "the National League Player of the Week" for the first time in his career.

The Major League secretariat on Tuesday named Kang Monday as "the National League Player of the Week" for Sept. 5-11. He is the fifth to clinch the honor among Koreans. Park Chan-ho and Kim Byung-hun were named once each, and Choo Shin-soo was picked twice. Kang had a batting average of 0.522, four homers, 10 RBIs, six runs and 12 hits, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.680 in seven games last week.

In an interview with the Major League’s official website (MLB.COM), Kang said, “I'm really happy with what I'm doing right now. I just want to continue this, being consistent so it helps the team down the stretch. … It's motivation for me so I can really do better.” Asked what he finds the most challenging in adapting himself in the U.S.,” Kang said. “There is little change in baseball style. If I have to pick a difference, I am playing in more games and thus gaining more experience. ... Manager Clint Hurdle gave me considerations even by learning Korean culture. I have benefited significantly from his kind consideration.”

In a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on the day, Kang garnered one run and two hits in four times at bat to post multi-hits in three consecutive games, but his team lost 2-6.

Oh Seung-hwan (34) of the St. Louis Cardinals, who posted three consecutive saves recently, took rest on the day due to pain in his thigh. He will return to the mound within this week since his injury is minor.