The American League Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot update was released on Tuesday, and for the third consecutive week, no Indians make the cut despite a two-game lead in their division entering Tuesday's action.
Arguably the most surprising absentee is shortstop Francisco Lindor, who made his big league debut a year ago on Tuesday. He's been statistically one of the best players in the game since. In the last 365 days, Lindor's WAR of 7.3 ranks fifth in all of baseball.
For the second consecutive week the top-five vote leaders at shortstop are Xander Bogaerts of Boston, Alcides Escobar of Kansas City, Troy Tulowitzki of Toronto, Carlos Correa of Houston and Elvis Andrus of Texas. Only Andrus was not on the first update.
Lindor's season numbers are more than worthy of a place in the top five. Entering Tuesday, Lindor posted better numbers than four of the top five vote leaders in batting average (.300), OPS (.802), OBP (.358), and WAR (2.7). His 33 RBIs and 22 walks are better marks than all but one. But his 10 stolen bases were better than any in the top five.
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.