For the fourth time in his career, Hart High graduate James Shields has been named the American League Player of the Week.

This time around, Shields shared the honor with teammate B.J. Upton, who homered three times Sunday in a 6-0 win over the Rangers.

The pitcher in that game — none other than Shields.

The 2000 Hart High graduate was 2-0 last week with a 1.59 ERA, 13 strikeouts and three walks in 17 innings against two of the American League’s top teams — the Rangers and Yankees.

Against the A.L. West-leading Rangers, he tossed his second shutout of the season, allowing just two hits, while striking out eight batters.

Since July 31, his ERA has been 1.90.

After getting off to rocky start this season, the 2011 A.L. All-Star is now 14-8 with a 3.71 ERA in 29 starts.

His 189 strikeouts are fifth in the American League and he also ranks third with 199 innings pitched.

Since 2007, Shields is fifth among all A.L. pitchers with 80 wins.