Stanton headlines Marlins' All-Star ballot
MIAMI -- Up and down the lineup, the Marlins have star power. They feature blazing speed in Dee Gordon, unparalleled power in Giancarlo Stanton and consistency from Martin Prado.
All three have already been All-Stars. It's that time once again where fans can say if they are worthy of returning to the Midsummer Classic.
The voting process is about to begin, and the Marlins are well represented on the ballot.
Stanton, the designated hitter for the National League at the 2014 All-Star Game in Minnesota, also competed in the Home Run Derby.
All eight Miami regulars are on the All-Star ballot. Stanton, Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich are outfielders. Michael Morse (first base), Gordon (second base), Prado (third base) and shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria make up the Marlins' infield.
The 2015 All-Star Game will be played at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on July 14.
Catcher J.T. Realmuto was promoted from Triple-A New Orleans on April 13, and he has become the regular backstop now that Jarrod Saltalamacchia has been designated for assignment. Realmuto also is on the ballot.
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.
Yelich is currently on the disabled list with a lower back strain. He's being replaced by 10-time All-Star Ichiro Suzuki, who could be a write-in candidate.