ARLINGTON -- Despite ranking second among all Major League position players in WAR entering Tuesday (according to BaseballReference.com), Astros outfielder George Springer was not among the top 15 vote-getters among American League outfielders in the second update of the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot released Tuesday.
Among AL outfielders, Springer was fifth in home runs (13), third in hits (68), tied for third in runs (39), seventh in OPS (.864), ninth in slugging (.498) and tied for sixth in RBIs (36). Since he was moved to the leadoff spot in the batting order May 24, he's hitting .359.
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Astros manager A.J. Hinch said his team has three clear All-Star candidates: second baseman Jose Altuve, who's leading the voting at second base, reliever Will Harris, who hasn't allowed a run in 25 consecutive outings, and Springer.
"I'll get in front of [AL and Royals manager] Ned [Yost] at some point and state the case for George and Will," Hinch said. "It's hard to get multiple guys on the team, but I certainly think both those guys are doing their jobs at a high level, at All-Star caliber and will be considered.
"There's a lot of outfielders in the league, which will make it difficult for George. A lot of right-handed relievers are doing exceptionally well and make it tough for Harris, but when you're around these guys every day the way we are, it's easy to say they're All-Stars."
Not surprisingly, Springer, who's been under the weather (that's why he started at designated hitter Tuesday), downplayed any All-Star talk.
"I guess you want to say that's not the most important thing that's on my mind," he said. "The most important thing for me is how to help us win. Obviously, as a player that's something special. But I don't think there's anybody in here that will say, 'Yeah, I believe I should be in the All-Star Game because of this.' No. I think everybody here has the same attitude, which is the team first."
When asked if he was having an All-Star-caliber season, Springer said that wasn't up to him.
"The only thing I can do is just go out and do my job and try to help us win," he said. "Obviously, you just want to be as good as you can for the whole year, so whatever happens in a few weeks, happens. Hopefully I can just help us win."
Springer was asked if he would like to participate in the Home Run Derby. He said he didn't do too well in similar events in college and the Minor Leagues.
"I can hit them in batting practice, but I haven't done too well in the home run derbies I've done," he said.
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.