MINNEAPOLIS -- The Red Sox’ Kevin Youkilis was named the American League’s Player of the Week for the period of May 5-11.

Over that stretch, Youkilis batted .375 (12-for-32), with three doubles, five homers and 10 RBI for a slugging percentage of .938. He led the league in extra-base hits and total bases for the week. Youkilis had five multiple-hit games in the seven games for the period, with at least one extra-base hit in five of the games.

This is the first time Youkilis has been honored as a Player of the Week. He took the award in stride.

“Things are going well so far,” said Youkilis. “I’ve had a nice little hot streak. But I’m just trying to do the same things over and over. If you have a good week in this game, you still have to put it aside and play for the day.”

Youkilis had a nine-game hitting streak going into last night’s game. Over that stretch, he was batting .421 (16-for-38), with six homers, five doubles and 15 RBI, raising his average from .287 to .322.

-STEVEN KRASNER