CLEVELAND -- The Indians sit in first place of the AL Central by five games entering Monday, riding an MLB-best nine-game winning streak. Still, in the fifth and final All-Star ballot, no members of the Tribe received enough votes to crack the top five of their respective position.
With four days left to vote, the most deserving absentee is likely shortstop Francisco Lindor, who did not receive enough votes to crack the top five at his position for the fifth consecutive week. Though a few Indians players have cases, Lindor ranks near the top of AL shortstops in nearly every statistical category.
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For the fourth consecutive week the top-five shortstops in terms of votes received is Xander Bogaerts of the Red Sox, the Royals' Alcides Escobar, the Blue Jays' Troy Tulowitzki, the Rangers' Elvis Andrus and Carlos Correa of the Astros.
Lindor's numbers have been more than worthy of a place in the top five if not the top two. Entering Monday's series opener with Atlanta, Lindor posted betters numbers than four of the top five vote-getters in batting average (.311), OBP (.369), OPS (.843) and WAR (3.6). In addition, he has more stolen bases than any of the top five and his 39 RBIs is better than three of them.
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 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, 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.