Charlie Blackmon, Jose Fernandez named NL Co-Players of the Week

Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon has been named the National League's Co-Player of the Week along with Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, MLB announced on Monday.

Blackmon earned the honor for the first week of the 2014 campaign by going 13-for-24 with a home run, three doubles, five runs scored and six RBI. Blackmon had six of those hits on April 4 against the Diamondbacks, tying a club record held by Andres Galarraga. His early batting average of .542 and on-base percentage of .560 lead all NL hitters.

More importantly, the hot start has allowed Blackmon to -- for now, at least -- take the reins on center field for the Rockies. The club entered the season with four different players set to share playing time at the position, but Blackmon's scalding first week, combined with boasting the best mix of offense and defense out of any of the candidates anyway, has narrowed that number down significantly.

The other half of the NL POW, Fernandez, has a link to the Rockies as well. The young right-hander dominated Colorado on Opening Day, striking out nine while allowing only a run on five hits. Blackmon went 0-for-4 in that contest, including 0-for-3 against Fernandez, but is 13-for-20 since.

Fernandez punched out eight more batters in his second start and leads the NL with 17 Ks while issuing only two walks.