Stanton, Gordon named All-Star Game starters
First time two Miami players were voted in; outfielder unable to participate due to broken hand
CHICAGO -- They're the thunder and lightning in the Marlins' lineup. Right fielder Giancarlo Stanton has provided plenty of power, while second baseman Dee Gordon has showcased his game-changing speed.
The two are now part of club history. For the first time, two Miami players have been voted into the All-Star Game presented by T-Mobile as starters. Only two players previously -- Hanley Ramirez (2008-10) and Gary Sheffield (1993) -- were the fans' choices.
"I thank my teammates and my coaches more," Gordon said. "They go out there and grind with me every day. This is more for them than for me. The start is definitely something I'm very proud of."
Stanton, unfortunately, won't be able to participate because he broke the hamate bone in his left hand on June 26.
On Monday at 7 p.m. ET, the All-Star reserves, pitchers and Final Vote candidates will be announced on the Esurance All-Star Selection Show on ESPN. Immediately following the show, fans can return to MLB.com to begin voting to select the final player for each league's 34-man roster via the 2015 Esurance All-Star Game Final Vote. Fans can cast their votes from a list of five players from each league until 4 p.m. ET on Friday, July 10.
And the voting doesn't end there. During the Midsummer Classic in Cincinnati on Tuesday, July 14, fans can once again visit MLB.com to submit their choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award. Voting exclusively at MLB.com, online and via their mobile devices in the 2015 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote, the fans' collective voice will represent 20 percent of the overall vote that determines the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.
MLB.TV Premium subscribers will be able to live stream the All-Star Game via MLB.TV through FOX's participating video providers. Access will be available across more than 400 supported MLB.TV platforms, including the award-winning MLB.com At Bat app. MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities, including the 2015 Gillette Home Run Derby presented by Head & Shoulders, part of Gatorade All-Star Workout Day on Monday, July 13. The Derby will feature a new format with brackets and timed rounds and will be broadcast live by ESPN and MLB.com beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
The 86th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports (7 p.m. ET air time, 8:15 first pitch), in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive 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.
Video: Gordon to return to All-Star Game, this time to start
Gordon, an All-Star with the Dodgers in 2014, came as advertised, ranking among the National League leaders in hits, batting average and stolen bases. Stanton has been a force, belting 27 home runs and driving in 67.
A three-time All-Star, Stanton also missed the Midsummer Classic in 2012 because of a right knee scope.
"That's our rock. He's the best player on our team," Gordon said of Stanton. "We're just trying to complement him. It's tough on our team right now with him out. I'm very excited for him. That's a huge honor as well."
Along with being one of the top leadoff hitters in the league, Gordon also has offered Gold Glove-caliber defense.
"First off, you have to start with his energy," Miami manager Dan Jennings said. "He's such a positive guy. Every day, Dee Gordon brings energy to the ballpark. You can't have a bad day around him because he is so infectious for everyone else."
Video: Stanton voted in to 2015 All-Star Game
The fact Stanton is unable to play is a huge disappointment, because he was hoping to take part in the Home Run Derby.
"The Home Run Derby," Jennings said. "It's sad for the fans of the game, who, obviously, were going to see him put on a show there at Great American Ball Park. It's unfortunate, but it's baseball. Injuries occur."