DETROIT -- Nick Castellanos has hit his way into the conversation for an American League All-Star spot. Getting there through the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot, though, might require some work.
"I'd be shocked if he wasn't in the discussion," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Monday. "I don't think it's too early. He should be talked about as a candidate for an All-Star at third base. He has to continue to play well. There's no reason not to talk about him."
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For now, he's on the fringe of the conversation for a starting spot in a crowded field at third base. The latest voting results, released Tuesday, show Castellanos lingering in fourth place behind Orioles star Manny Machado, Kansas City's Mike Moustakas and reigning AL MVP Josh Donaldson.
Castellanos had 356,916 votes as of the latest update; Machado leads with 898,715. Moustakas is expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his right knee, so he'd have an injury replacement if he were to win the vote.
Elsewhere on the All-Star ballot, Miguel Cabrera remains second among AL first basemen with 734,104 votes, about 538,000 behind leader Eric Hosmer. Ian Kinsler cracked the top five at second base, now with 267,337 votes, as Jose Altuve holds onto his lead. Victor Martinez remains fourth among designated hitters with 343,820 votes, in a race David Ortiz is leading by a wide margin during what he has proclaimed to be his final Major League season.

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. Up to five messages. 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, in San Diego, 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.