White Sox need boost in All-Star voting
CHICAGO -- With a first-inning single on Sunday against Detroit, Jose Abreu not only contributed to a three-run rally for the White Sox, but hit safely for the 25th game in his last 30 played. It has been another strong start to the season for the team's first baseman/designated hitter, even if that showing is not completely reflected by the latest round of American League voting results cast from the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot, released on Monday.
So for Abreu or any of his White Sox teammates to reach the Midsummer Classic, they will need much greater support. None of the White Sox position players ranked in the Top 5 or in the Top 15 of the outfield.
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 10:59 p.m. CT. 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.
Abreu entered this week's series against Houston hitting .274 with nine homers, nine doubles and 33 RBIs. He leads the White Sox in homers, RBIs and with a .473 slugging percentage, and trails only the .294 average of Avisail Garcia in that category.
Chris Sale and David Robertson stand as the best candidates for All-Star selection. But fan votes cannot be cast for the White Sox ace and their closer.