Altuve needs fan support for trip to All-Star Game
Second baseman ranks fifth at his position in latest AL polling
HOUSTON -- Astros second baseman Jose Altuve faces an uphill climb if he's going to be elected to the American League All-Star team. Altuve ranked fifth among AL second basemen with 734,896 votes in the latest polling released Saturday.
Altuve, who made the National League All-Star team last year, trails Robinson Cano of the Yankees (2,409,512), Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox (1,635,674), Ian Kinsler of the Rangers (1,123,654) and Omar Infante of the Tigers (872,142) at second base.
Altuve entered Saturday hitting .297 with three homers and 27 RBIs. He ranked second among AL second basemen in steals (11), third in hits (76), fifth in doubles (13) and was fourth in batting average. He led all non-first baseman in the league with 53 double plays turned.
Another player who warrants All-Star consideration is catcher Jason Castro, who entered Saturday hitting .266 with eight homers and 20 RBIs. He ranked third among AL catchers in OPS (.789), was tied for second in doubles (18), and ranked fourth in slugging percentage (.463) and hits (57).
Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and on all 30 club sites -- online or via mobile device -- using the 2013 All-Star ballot until Thursday, July 4, at 9:59 p.m. CT.
Fans can submit 25 online ballots during the voting period but can also earn a one-time bonus of 10 additional ballots. To access these additional ballots, fans must be logged into an MLB.com account when submitting any online ballot. If you do not have an account, visit MLB.com and register for free in accordance with the enrollment instructions.
Fans can also vote in the Home Run Derby Fan Poll, where they can select three players in each league whom they would most like to see participate in the Home Run Derby. The 2013 Home Run Derby -- part of Gatorade All-Star Workout Day -- will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio in the United States beginning at 6 p.m. CT on Monday, July 15.
Though originally scheduled for July 7, the 2013 rosters will now be unveiled Saturday, July 6, at 6:30 p.m. ET on the 2013 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Taco Bell. The show will be televised nationally on FOX.
From Saturday, July 6 to Thursday, July 11, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2013 All-Star Game Final Vote Sponsored by freecreditscore.com for the final player for each League's All-Star roster.
And the voting doesn't end there. Fans are also invited to participate in choosing the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer Classic, fans can cast their vote exclusively online, and their voice will represent 20 percent of the official tally determining the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.
The 2013 All-Star Game will be played at Citi Field on Tuesday, July 16.
The 84th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM also will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.
For more information, please visit allstargame.com.