#ASGWorthy: Harper making early case
Bryce Harper is one of the game's brightest young stars, but he could still use a push from the fans. Harper, the Nationals' precocious right fielder, showed why he's #ASGWorthy on Thursday night, when he doubled twice and drove in three runs in Washington's 8-2 victory over the division-rival Mets.
Harper, who has logged a .440 on-base percentage this season, doubled once off Jacob deGrom, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year Award winner, and then again later off rookie reliever Jack Leathersich. Harper, just 22 years old, has five home runs and 15 RBIs in his team's first 23 games.
And if it seems as if he's been on the scene forever, that's because Harper has packed a lot into a very brief career. He was the first overall selection in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft, and then he was an All-Star and the NL's Rookie of the Year Award winner in '12. Harper was named an All-Star again in '13.
Harper didn't start in his first All-Star Game, but he came off the bench in the NL's 8-0 victory, walking and striking out in his two at-bats. He started the next season in center field and went 0-for-2. Harper has walked a league-high 22 times in his first 23 games this season, and he has a .545 slugging percentage.
Video: WSH@MIA: Harper clears the fence for a solo home run
And now, with All-Star balloting open to the online public, Harper has a chance to burnish his already impressive profile. Harper, in his fourth season, is looking to establish himself as a perennial All-Star.
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.