Hens' Figaro named IL Pitcher of the Week!

Hens' Figaro named IL Pitcher of the Week!
07/26/2010 12:01 PM ET

AUBREY'S 16 RBI AND FIGARO'S 16 STRIKEOUTS LEAD TO IL PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

The International League announced today that Norfolk designated hitter Michael Aubrey and Toledo pitcher Alfredo Figaro have been named the League's Batter and Pitcher of the Week for the period from July 19-25. Aubrey is the second member of the Tides to win an IL weekly award in 2010, joining pitcher Chris Tillman (April 26-May 2). Figaro is the third Mud Hens player to be so honored this season, following sluggers Jeff Larish (June 14-20) and Jeff Frazier (July 15-18).

MICHAEL AUBREY, Norfolk Tides IL BATTER OF THE WEEK

Norfolk's Michael Aubrey, serving as the team's designated hitter, was a run-producing machine during the past week as he led the International League with 5 home runs and 16 RBI. He hit a solo homer Monday against Syracuse, and followed it up with a three-run blast that was part of a 4-RBI night on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday he crushed a 1st inning grand slam and added a two-run shot in the 4th inning, making it four home runs in three days. He wasn't done - going deep again on Friday with two men on. For the week, Aubrey had 16 RBI, which was six more than anyone else in the League.

28-year-old Michael Aubrey is in his eighth season of professional baseball, and his third in the International League. Prior to this season, he played in 173 games in the IL for Buffalo, Columbus, and Norfolk. He has seen time in the Major Leagues with Cleveland (2008) and Baltimore (2009). Aubrey is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana.

ALFREDO FIGARO, Toledo Mud Hens IL PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Toledo right-handed hurler Alfredo Figaro was 2-0 in two starts this week, surrendering just one run in 13.2 innings while striking out an IL-best 16 batters. He recorded a season-high 10 punchouts in 6.2 innings on Monday night at Pawtucket, helping Toledo to a 4-1 victory. In his next outing Sunday night against Buffalo, Figaro was superb once again. In 7.0 innings, the Bisons managed just three hits and two walks against him in the 2-0 Mud Hens win. It was the ninth victory of the season for Figaro, who has gone 5-2 in his last eight starts (a stretch during which the rest of the Toledo staff is 11-21).

Alfredo Figaro, who turned 26 earlier this month, is in his seventh season of professional baseball. He was originally signed by the Dodgers as a free agent in 2004, but was released and signed by Detroit the following year. While he did not play in Triple-A prior to this season, the two-time Eastern League Player of the Week in 2009 also made five appearances for the Tigers, going 2-2. He also made one relief appearance for Detroit earlier this season. Figaro is a native of Samana, Dominican Republic.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.