SAN FRANCISCO -- A star is emerging in Miami to join the Marlins' already established All-Stars. Christian Yelich, one of the National League's promising young players, is elevating his game to the next level.
Now, it's that time of year again for fans to decide if Yelich is All-Star worthy. The 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot is out, and the Marlins' 24-year-old left fielder is off to a fast start. A year ago, Miami had two players voted into the starting lineup -- second baseman Dee Gordon and right fielder Giancarlo Stanton. However, injuries prevented either one from playing.
In his fourth big league season, Yelich entered Sunday second in the NL in batting average (.396) and tops in the Majors in on-base percentage (.529).
Gordon is the reigning NL batting champion and is a two-time All-Star. Although Stanton is off to a slow start, he is a proven slugger and a three-time choice to the Midsummer Classic.
All eight Marlins regulars are on the ballot. Along with Yelich, Gordon and Stanton, fans also have the opportunity to vote for first baseman Justin Bour, catcher J.T. Realmuto, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, third baseman Martin Prado and center fielder Marcell Ozuna.
Browsing the ballot
The other side: Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler did damage against Miami in the opening series of the season, and he's doing damage to other clubs as well, batting .343 entering Sunday. One of his four homers was against the Marlins.
Tip of the cap: Another year, which means once again, Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is producing. The veteran entered Sunday with a slash line of .352/.405/.535, three homers and 14 RBIs.
A rising star:Nick Castellanos, a South Florida native, is no stranger to Marlins fans, who got to see him face Miami a few weeks ago. The Tigers third baseman keeps getting better, sporting a .327 batting average entering Sunday.
Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on their computers, tablets and smartphones -- exclusively online using the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, June 30, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Vote up to five times in any 24-hour period for a maximum of 35 times.
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 2016 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player on each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 12, watch the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard 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 2016 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.
The 87th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.