PHOENIX -- The first American League voting update for the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot was released Tuesday, and Astros second baseman Jose Altuve is the early leader to start his second consecutive All-Star Game. Altuve, who made his first start last year, leads all AL second baseman with 624,218 votes, ahead of Omar Infante of the Royals (473,205).
Meanwhile, Carlos Correa ranked fourth among AL shortstops with 304,997 votes, behind Xander Bogaerts of the Red Sox (598,847), Alcides Escobar of the Royals (593,218) and Troy Tulowitzki of the Blue Jays (325,949).
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The only other Astros player to appear among the leading vote-getters was Colby Rasmus, who ranks 13th among AL outfielders with 208,105 votes.
Altuve, a three-time All-Star, entered Tuesday leading all AL second basemen in on-base percentage (.403), OPS (.957), doubles (18), steals (15) and hits (67), while ranking second in RBIs (30) and third in homers (nine). He was hitting .325.
"It's nice because I saw a couple of Astros players on the list," he said. "Not in first place, but somewhere in there. I think last year there was only one. That means we're growing as a team, and I'm pretty sure at the end of the voting it's going to be more than one [Astros] player on top."
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 10:59 p.m. CT. Vote up to five times in any 24-hour period for a maximum of 35 times.
Fans may also receive the ballot by texting VOTE to 89269 (USA) or 101010 (Canada). Or text VOTA for a ballot in Spanish. Message and data rates may apply, with a maximum of up to five messages and no purchase required. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for info.
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.