D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has been on a hot streak of late at the plate and he'll need one at the ballot box as well if he's going to start the All-Star Game for the third year in a row.
The first National League ballot totals were released Wednesday and Goldschmidt ranks fourth among first baseman with 217,186 votes. The Cubs' Anthony Rizzo (874,471) leads, followed by the Giants' Brandon Belt (271, 670) and the Dodgers' Adrian Gonzalez (253,529).
There is still time for D-backs fans to get behind Goldschmidt, who has a slash line of .432/.553/.649 over his last 11 games. Last year, Goldschmidt started off the voting in third place, with Gonzalez leading with twice as many votes.
The only other D-backs player to rank among the leaders in the voting is catcher Welington Castillo, who is fourth in the balloting (249,159).
The Cardinals' Yadier Molina (517,825) leads catchers, followed by San Francisco's Buster Posey (439,239) and Chicago's Miguel Montero (286,494).
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, 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.