Ozuna needs late push to climb up All-Star ballot

MIAMI -- Marlins center fielder Marcell Ozuna continues to enjoy a breakout season, but the 25-year-old needs plenty of fan support to be considered an All-Star.
For the second straight week, the Marlins don't have any players listed among the finalists at their respective positions. But that doesn't mean the club doesn't have candidates worthy of consideration.
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Ozuna is making the strongest case. He ranks among all National League outfielders in batting average (.321), home runs (15) and RBIs (43).
"This game, you have to learn every year," Ozuna said.
Ozuna also is having a strong bounce-back season after a disappointing 2015.
"I was thinking everything was going to be easy, because I did it before," Ozuna said. "Work a little bit, that's it. Now you have to work harder every year to get better."
• National League All-Star voting update
Along with Ozuna, the Marlins also have All-Star performers in left fielder Christian Yelich, third baseman Martin Prado and catcher J.T. Realmuto. A sentimental candidate who is not on the ballot is outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, a write-in candidate, who is closing in on 3,000 hits in his Major League career.
Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on their computers, tablets and smartphones -- exclusively online using the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, June 30, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Vote up to five times in any 24-hour period for a maximum of 35 times.
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Following the announcement of the 2016 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player on each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 12, watch the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2016 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.
The 87th All-Star Game, in San Diego, will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.