OAKLAND -- The Twins don't have any players among the leading vote-getters for the 2016 All-Star Game, but first baseman Joe Mauer is strengthening his case to be an All-Star for the first time since '13.
Mauer, who was named the American League Player of the Week on Tuesday, is hitting .281/.389/.427 with six homers, six doubles and 18 RBIs in 49 games. He's coming off a week in which he hit .440 with four homers, seven RBIs and seven runs scored in six games. Mauer's .389 on-base percentage is tied for the seventh-best mark in the AL.
Mauer, though, faces stiff competition at his position, as Kansas City's Eric Hosmer leads all AL first baseman with 871,222 votes. He leads Detroit's Miguel Cabrera (466,523), Baltimore's Chris Davis (387,876), Boston's Hanley Ramirez (296,276) and Chicago's Jose Abreu (189,963).
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Twins utility man Eduardo Nunez isn't on the ballot, but he warrants consideration, as he's hitting .338/.366/.506 with five homers, nine doubles, nine stolen bases and 20 RBIs in 41 games. Nunez, who has seen action at shortstop, second base and third base, ranks third in the AL with his .338 average.
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, with a maximum of up to five messages and 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.