#ASGWorthy: Longo's jacks a loud reminder
Rays third baseman seeking return to Midsummer Classic after 4-year absence
Don't forget about Evan Longoria. The Rays' franchise third baseman made a case to be #ASGWorthy on Wednesday night, when he pounded two home runs in a 5-3 victory over Boston. Longoria, a three-time All-Star, has gone through a four-season drought without playing in the Midsummer Classic.
The 2008 American League Rookie of the Year Award winner won't turn 30 until October, and he's hoping to thrust himself right back into the conversation of the AL's elite. Longoria went to the All-Star Game in each of his first three seasons, earning a reputation as one of baseball's best young players.
Longoria didn't start the All-Star Game as a rookie, winning entrance due to the Final Vote, but he went 1-for-4 with an RBI in the AL's 4-3 win in 2008. The precocious infielder was named to the All-Star team in '09, but he couldn't compete due to injury. Longoria started in 2010 and went 1-for-1 with a walk and a run scored in the AL's 3-1 defeat.
Longoria has been a conspicuous absence the last few seasons. He finished sixth in the AL Most Valuable Player Award balloting in 2013, but he couldn't crack the All-Star team. This year, Longoria is hoping for some fan support.
Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on their computers, tablets and smartphones -- using the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, July 2, at 11:59 p.m. ET. For the first time, voting is exclusively online, where fans may submit up to 35 ballots.
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. Up to five messages. No purchase required. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for info.
Following the announcement of the 2015 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player for each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 14, watch the 2015 All-Star Game 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 2015 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.
MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage of All-Star Week festivities.
The 86th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, 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 will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.