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Twins could use push in All-Star balloting

Dozier, Plouffe and Hunter enjoying solid first halves along with rest of club

MINNEAPOLIS -- Despite entering Tuesday eight games above .500 at 26-18, the Twins didn't have any players among the leading vote-getters for the 2015 All-Star Game, according to the first American League ballot update.

Twins second baseman Brian Dozier and third baseman Trevor Plouffe are both off to impressive starts, but aren't among the top five at their positions, while right fielder Torii Hunter is also having a strong season, but doesn't rank among the Top 15 outfielders. Fans can cast their votes using the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot.

Twins manager Paul Molitor -- a seven-time All-Star in his Hall of Fame playing career -- said it's something he's not worried about, considering it's still so early in the season.

Video: MIN@CWS: Dozier blasts a leadoff homer for a 1-0 lead

"I haven't thought about that one iota, to be honest with you," Molitor said. "I'm not really concerned about it too much. It's still six or seven weeks away. So it's a big deal and a big deal for players, especially ones considered the first time. I get it. I was there. I know what that feels like. But I hope those are kind of things we're putting on the very backburner. It's more about your body of work and it's not something you have control over, so there's no sense spending a lot of energy thinking about it. We have something in here we're trying to keep going and so if it happens, that'd be great."

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.

Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Bollinger Beat, follow him on Twitter @RhettBollinger and listen to his podcast.
Read More: Minnesota Twins, Torii Hunter, Brian Dozier, Trevor Plouffe