Wieters leads AL catchers on All-Star ballot

MILWAUKEE -- The Orioles are well represented on the first All-Star ballot update, with seven players listed in the American League results that were released on Tuesday afternoon.

Catcher Matt Wieters, who is currently on the disabled list, leads all AL catchers, while red-hot Nelson Cruz is trailing Boston's David Ortiz in the designated hitter category. Chris Davis and Manny Machado are fourth, at first and third base, with shortstop J.J. Hardy in third.

"Right now, I'm just concerned with trying to get back out there," said Wieters, who is on the DL with elbow discomfort. "It's the last of my thoughts right now. It's always nice to be able to be considered there, but I just want to get back on the field. All-Star Game or not, I just want to be out there playing."

Cruz, who served a suspension last year for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal, said it was special to get that many votes. The veteran outfielder, who entered Tuesday with a Major League-leading 16 homers, is vying for his first All-Star start.

Asked if the high totals mean perhaps the fans have gotten over his suspension, Cruz said: "I guess. I mean, it's not as bad as it used to be last year. I guess the way I've been playing may change that stuff."

Said manager Buck Showalter: "I think it's our country in general. None of us would like to have our whole lives judged by our worst decision. Nelson has been, always been a solid citizen. A great teammate. Made a bad decision."

Rounding out the list for the Orioles were outfielders were Adam Jones (seventh) and Nick Markakis (10th), as the club prepares to ramp up efforts with in-stadium voting given it light travel schedule next month.

Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- online or on a mobile device -- using the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot Sponsored by Experian until Thursday, July 3, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2014 All-Star Game will be played at Target Field on Tuesday, July 15.

Fans may submit up to 25 online ballots, but they can also earn a one-time bonus of 10 additional online ballots. To access these additional online ballots, you must be logged into your MLB.com account when you submit any online ballot. If you do not have an MLB.com account, register on the site in accordance with the enrollment instructions for a free MLB.com account.

The 2014 All-Star teams will be unveiled on the 2014 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show during the weekend of July 5-6, with further details to follow on MLB.com. The AL will have nine elected starters via the fan balloting program, while the NL will have eight fan-elected starters. Pitchers and reserves for both squads -- totaling 25 for the NL and 24 for the AL -- will be determined through a combination of "Player Ballot" choices and selections made by All-Star managers Mike Matheny (NL) and John Farrell (AL).

Immediately following the announcement of the rosters, you can select the final player for each league's 34-man roster via the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com Final Vote Sponsored by Experian. Choose again at that point from among five players in each league. The Final Vote returns for its 13th season with more than 430 million votes cast to date, and you'll be able to make selections on MLB.com, club sites and your mobile device.

You'll be on a voting tear at that point, having already selected starters and the last men, and the ritual will not end there. The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the big game, vote exclusively online at MLB.com via the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote Sponsored by Pepsi. The fan voice will represent 20 percent of the overall vote that determines the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.

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

The 85th 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.