Tulo leads experienced Rockies on All-Star Game ballot

DENVER -- Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki led National League players with 5,349,456 All-Star votes last season. He and several high-profile teammates are looking for votes again.

Balloting began today for the 86th All-Star Game on July 14 in Cincinnati, and Tulowitzki -- who became the first player in Colorado history to lead the NL in voting -- and the Rockies' regular position players are on the ballot, which for the first time is exclusively online.

Fellow Rockies on the ballot include center fielder Charlie Blackmon, who was chosen in peer voting to join Tulowitzki at last year's game in Minneapolis; first baseman Justin Morneau, who represented the Twins as an American League All-Star four times and fell short last year in the Final Vote; and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, a two-time All-Star.

Also hoping to push for their first All-Star appearances are third baseman Nolan Arenado, who has won NL Gold Glove Awards in both of his first full seasons in the Majors, and second baseman DJ LeMahieu, who entered Tuesday night leading the Majors with a .415 batting average and coming off his first NL Gold Glove Award.

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 9:59 p.m. MT. Fans submit up to 35 ballots in the completely online process.

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.