SEATTLE -- Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz are two big reasons why the Mariners are back in contention in the American League West.
So it wasn't surprising to find out on Tuesday, when the first American League voting update for the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot for the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard was announced, that the pair of sluggers are in the thick of the race to represent their team at the 87th Midsummer Classic in San Diego on July 12.
Cano, who entered Tuesday's play with a .293 batting average and team-leading totals in home runs (15) and RBIs (44), was in third place in the voting totals for second base in the AL, trailing division-rival Jose Altuve of the Astros and Omar Infante of the Royals. Cano is a six-time All Star who last made it to the Midsummer Classic in 2014, his first year with the Mariners. He had received 354,415 votes as of Tuesday.
Prior to Tuesday's game, Cruz was hitting .289 with 10 homers and 33 RBIs, so it's no shock that he is fifth in the voting for designated hitters. Cruz, who has garnered 208,953 votes thus far, trails leader David Ortiz of the Red Sox, Kendrys Morales of the Royals, Edwin Encarnacion of the Blue Jays and Victor Martinez of the Tigers.

Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on their computers, tablets and smartphones -- exclusively online using the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, June 30, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Vote up to five times in any 24-hour period for a maximum of 35 times.
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, with a maximum of up to five messages and no purchase required. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for info.
Following the announcement of the 2016 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player on each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 12, watch the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard 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 2016 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.
The 87th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.