Rays need help on All-Star Game ballots

ST. PETERSBURG -- The latest All-Star voting results show the Rays in need of some help to close the gap on the American League leaders.

• Cast your Esurance All-Star ballot for #ASGWorthy players

Royals players led at every position except first base -- where Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers is on top, with Eric Hosmer of the Royals in second -- and the outfield -- where Mike Trout of the Angels is the top vote-getter, followed by Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon of the Royals.

Meanwhile, the Rays -- who were one game ahead of the Yankees in the AL East entering Monday night's action and nine games over .500 -- did not have a player ranked among the AL leaders.

Royals fans stormed the ballot box early, and Rays fans have an opportunity to do the same.

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.