MINNEAPOLIS -- After two uncharacteristically subpar seasons, Twins first baseman Joe Mauer is enjoying a renaissance so far this year, as he's among the league leaders in batting average and on-base percentage.
Mauer is aiming to be an All-Star for the seventh time in his career, and for the first time since his career-altering concussion in 2013 that forced him to move from catcher to first base. Fan voting on the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game ballot began Sunday for the 2016 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, which will be held at San Diego's Petco Park on July 12.
Mauer, who turned 33 on April 19, is hitting .328/.450/.453 with a homer, six RBIs and six runs in 18 games. He leads the American League in on-base percentage, while also ranking seventh in batting average. It's a big jump from the last two seasons, when he combined to hit .270/.348/.376 in 278 games.
Mauer is off to the best start among Twins position players, but right fielder Miguel Sano is also starting to heat up. Sano is hitting .250/.384/.433 with three homers and six RBIs. Designated hitter Byung Ho Park also leads the team with four homers.
Browsing the ballot
The other side: Over in the National League, Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler didn't re-sign with Chicago until late February, but he has been one of the best hitters in baseball early this season. Fowler is hitting .385, while leading the NL with 17 runs and nine doubles.
Tip of the cap: Coming off an impressive showing in the postseason that saw him hit three homers in the AL Division Series, Astros outfielder Colby Rasmus is off to a hot start, hitting .302/.449/.698 with six homers and 16 RBIs.
A rising star: Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich has been in the league for four seasons, but is still just 24 years old and is enjoying a breakout season. He's hitting .396 while leading the National League with a .529 on-base percentage.
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 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.