Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer Photo: Paul Sancya, Associated Press Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Astros righthander Justin Verlander was named the American League Player of the Week after going 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in two starts last week.

It's the eighth time Verlander has earned the weekly honor and the second time this season.

In 14 innings of work, Verlander struck out 21, allowing just nine hits for a .184 opponent batting average. On Sept. 10, he pitched in Detroit for the first time since the Tigers traded him to the Astros. Verlander struck out 10 Tigers in seven innings.

"It's a nice reward for his week, specifically because he pitched in Detroit," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "What he did (Sunday) was exceptional, but what he did in Detroit with all the emotion that came in with him, it's got to be nice to be recognized."

For the season, Verlander is 16-9 with a 2.67 ERA, and leads the AL with 269 strikeouts, the latter of which matches his career-high for a season.