Goldschmidt widens lead in All-Star voting
DENVER -- D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt continues to widen his lead over the Dodgers' Adrian Gonzalez in the most recent updated vote totals for the All-Star Game, which will be in Cincinnati on July 14. Fans can vote via the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot.
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Goldschmidt has 5,867,602 votes to 3,329,716 for Gonzalez, a margin of 2,537,886. That's a large increase over the 862,670-vote lead Goldschmidt held last week.
When the first vote totals were released Goldschmidt ranked third behind Gonzalez and the Cubs' Anthony Rizzo. The next week he moved up to second and two weeks later he climbed into first place.
Goldschmidt was elected as the National League starter at first base last year, becoming the first D-backs position player to start an All-Star Game since outfielder Luis Gonzalez in 2001.
Goldschmidt is the only D-backs player to appear on the leaderboard, though manager Chip Hale would like to see outfielder A.J. Pollock, who was hitting .304 heading into Tuesday night's game, be part of the NL team.
"Goldy is getting a lot of play nationally, and he deserves it," Hale said. "He is the guy. He should be the starter. But A.J. deserves to be on the team. I'm sure that [NL manager Bruce] Bochy and the rest of the people will see that. The players have a vote in this thing, too. I'll be interested to see what their votes look like."
Fans can 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.