Gordon, Stanton need All-Star ballot support
Second baseman, outfielder could become first Marlins duo at game with help from fans
Dee Gordon paces the National League in batting average and hits, and the Marlins second baseman continues to lead the field for the starting second base spot in the All-Star Game, according to the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot update. But, his margin is shrinking.
A similar situation is holding true for slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who retains the third starting outfield spot in the latest tabulations.
Video: MIA@TOR: Stanton lines a solo shot for his 20th homer
The Marlins have never had two starters voted in by the fans. Gordon and Stanton are primed to become the first tandem.
To secure starting spots, however, they will need support.
Gordon has 2,226,127 total votes, but his margin has narrowed as St. Louis' Kolten Wong is making a strong push with 2,113,069 votes.
In the outfield, Stanton is clinging to the third spot over San Francisco's Nori Aoki. Stanton, who belted his 20th home run on Tuesday night, has 1,743,271 votes, which is edging Aoki's 1,696,369.
No other Miami players are ranked among the leaders at their respective positions. Adeiny Hechavarria is deserving of consideration, but he isn't among the top five shortstops.
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.