PHILADELPHIA -- The second National League 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot update was released on Wednesday, and the Cubs are represented proportionate to their status as the top team in baseball.
Anthony Rizzo's 1,264,404 votes lead all NL players, while Cubs top the list of every position but catcher. Kris Bryant's 1,172,717 votes lead the Rockies' Nolan Arenado by about 300,000; Ben Zobrist's 1,140,808 votes are about 400,000 more than the Nationals' Daniel Murphy. Dexter Fowler (1,170,718) and Addison Russell (832,191) lead at outfield and shortstop, respectively, and they are locked in tight battles for the top spot. Fowler is only 60,000 votes ahead of Bryce Harper, and Russell is just over 100,000 ahead of Trevor Story.
At catcher -- the only position the Cubs don't lead -- Miguel Montero's 417,224 trails Yadier Molina and Buster Posey by about 200,000. Jason Heyward is fourth in outfield voting, with 703,911 votes, while Jorge Soler, who just landed on the disabled list, is sixth with 476,053.
Per FanGraphs, Fowler leads the NL in wins above replacement (WAR), with 3.3. Two other Cubs, Bryant (third, 2.8) and Zobrist (sixth, 2.6) are in the top six. Rizzo's 42 RBIs entering Wednesday trailed only Arenado's 49. Russell has been the fifth-best defensive shortstop, according to UZR.
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 10:59 p.m. CT. 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, in San Diego, 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.