Altuve pushing for Castro's All-Star nod

HOUSTON -- Jose Altuve, who represented the Astros last year for the National League in the All-Star Game, said he believes catcher Jason Castro should be part of the American League squad during this year's Midsummer Classic.

Castro continued his solid season on Friday, belting his 11th home run while adding a walk.

"I'm sure he's going to make it," Altuve said. "He's having an All-Star year, and he's one of the guys that's been consistent all year long. We're almost halfway through the season right now and he's proven himself. He deserves to be there."

The players received their All-Star ballots on Friday. They're allowed to vote for one player at all nine positions, as well as eight pitchers (five starters and three relievers).

In addition to Altuve and Castro, starter Bud Norris could also warrant some All-Star consideration, but manager Bo Porter said he's not going to call AL manager Jim Leyland of Detroit to lobby for any of his guys.

"I'll let Leyland and his staff make the determination what they deem best for the AL team," he said. "I do think we have guys that are deserving, and it's one of those things from a standpoint of the overall selection and who they decide to select, I will respect whatever decision Jim Leyland and his staff makes."