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Upton slowly climbing All-Star ballot leaderboard

SAN DIEGO -- Justin Upton moved up two spots among National League outfielders in the latest 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot leaderboard, which was released on Tuesday by Major League Baseball.

Upton moved from ninth to seventh in the second round of voting for the All-State Game, which will be held in Cincinnati next month. He's the only player in the Major Leagues this season with 10 or more home runs and stolen bases (12 home runs, 10 steals).

Outfielder Matt Kemp slipped from eighth among all NL outfielders to No. 14.

Catcher Derek Norris, who on Friday had a walk-off grand slam against the Pirates, dropped out of the top-five at his position. Norris was No. 5, a spot now occupied by former Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal, now with the Dodgers.

Fans can still cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on their computers, tablets and smartphones -- using the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, July 2, at 11:59 p.m. ET. For the first time, voting is exclusively online, where fans may submit up to 35 ballots.

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 2015 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player for each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 14, watch the 2015 All-Star Game 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 2015 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.

MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage of All-Star Week festivities.

The 86th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.

In addition to Upton, Norris and Kemp, first baseman Yonder Alonso, second baseman Jedd Gyorko, shortstop Alexi Amarista, third baseman Will Middlebrooks and outfielders Will Venable and Wil Myers also represent the Padres on the ballot.

Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. Keep track of @FollowThePadres on Twitter and listen to his podcast.
Read More: San Diego Padres, Justin Upton, Derek Norris, Matt Kemp