Trout closing in on first All-Star Game start

ANAHEIM -- Mike Trout continues to place second among American League outfielders in All-Star balloting, while first baseman Albert Pujols (fourth), designated hitter Mark Trumbo (fifth) and right fielder Josh Hamilton (13th) remain long shots to start at their respective positions.

And one name is still absent among fan-voting leaders: Howie Kendrick.

The Angels' second baseman enters play Saturday batting .325 with a .367 on-base percentage and eight homers this season. In June, his batting average is .403. But he can't crack the top five at his position, where the Yankees' Robinson Cano (3,032,183) sports a healthy lead and is followed by Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox (2,135,499), Ian Kinsler of the Rangers (1,329,136), Omar Infante of the Tigers (1,191,119) and Jose Altuve of the Astros (850,577).

Trout, however, remains on pace to be the first Angels position player to start the All-Star Game since Vladimir Guerrero in 2007, while sandwiched between two O's outfielders. Trout's 3,548,195 votes are less than 24,000 behind the first-place Adam Jones and more than 1.6 million ahead of the third-place Nick Markakis. Trout's mentor, Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter, is about 65,000 votes shy of the last outfield spot and in fifth place.

Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- online or via a mobile device -- using the 2013 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot until Thursday, July 4, at 8:59 p.m. PT.

Fans may submit 25 online ballots during the voting period but can also earn a one-time bonus of 10 additional online ballots. To access these additional online ballots, they must be logged into an MLB.com account when submitting any online ballot. To obtain an MLB.com account, visit www.mlb.com and register in accordance with the enrollment instructions for a free MLB.com account.

Fans can also once again participate in the Home Run Derby Fan Poll, where they'll have the opportunity to 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 8 p.m. ET 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.

The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the official voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer Classic, fans will vote exclusively online at MLB.com via the 2013 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote, and their voice will represent 20 percent of the official vote determining the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.

The 2013 All-Star Game will be played at Citi Field on Tuesday, July 16. Come to MLB.com for extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities.

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.