Donaldson surging on All-Star ballot
WASHINGTON -- Josh Donaldson is in contention for a starting job at the upcoming All-Star Game in Cincinnati, but he's going to need a little help on the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot to make it happen.
Donaldson currently owns the second overall spot in fan voting for American League third basemen. He's received 1,496,065 votes so far, but trails Kansas City's Mike Moustakas, who sits at 2,385,024 after the second update of ballots was released on Monday afternoon.
Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin also finds himself in the mix for a starting job behind the plate. Martin (607,610) is currently ranked third behind Kansas City's Salvador Perez (2,681,063) and Oakland's Stephen Vogt (1,401,747).
Jose Bautista is the only other Blue Jays player who was listed among the league leaders in voting. Bautista is ranked ninth in the outfield with 792,897 votes. Kansas City's Lorenzo Cain (2,506,859), Los Angeles' Mike Trout (2,371,435) and Kansas City's Alex Gordon (1,917,834) round out the top three.
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.