Sep 2, 2008 - 3:29 PM
NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Washington Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman and Cincinnati Reds righthander Bronson Arroyo share this week's National League Player of the Week award, the league announced Tuesday.
Guzman helped the last-place Nationals post a 6-0 week by leading the league in batting with a .552 average (16-for-29). The All-Star posted an .828 slugging percentage and a .552 on-base percentage while hitting a home run and driving in six runs.
The highlight of Guzman's week came on Thursday, when he became the second player in franchise history to record a cycle with a 4-for-5 effort against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Arroyo led the NL in innings pitched with 16 while going 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA, including the Reds' first complete game of the season at Houston on Tuesday.
Guzman and Arroyo each won the weekly award for the first time in their careers.
Also considered for the honor was Milwaukee Brewers righthander C.C. Sabathia, who improved to 9-0 since being acquired from the Cleveland Indians in late July.