The leagues have announced their Players of the Week, recognizing two middle-of-the-order forces who set the tone with power and production.

In the United League, Rafael Palmeiro of the Los Angeles Dodgers earned Player of the Week honors following a dominant stretch at the plate. Palmeiro made the most of his 26 plate appearances, batting .348 with 8 hits, 5 home runs, 9 RBIs, and 7 runs scored.

On the season, Palmeiro is hitting .249 with 64 hits in 257 at-bats, 21 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 45 runs scored across 69 games, continuing to anchor the Dodgers’ offense with his trademark power.

Over in the Federal League, Javy Lopez of Cincinnati claimed Player of the Week honors with a powerful week behind the plate. The 26-year-old catcher hit .412 (7-for-17), launching 4 home runs and driving in 11 RBIs over six games.

Thus far this season, Lopez is batting .306 with 67 hits, 18 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 38 runs scored, emerging as one of the league’s premier offensive catchers.

Two leagues, two big bats — and two performances that carried their clubs through a pivotal week in June.