NEW YORK -- Sunday marked the opening day of voting for the All-Star Game, to be held on July 12 at San Diego's Petco Park, with the official release of the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot.
Catcher Brian McCann, a seven-time All-Star in the National League, is among those who have stated an early case to make a return visit to the Midsummer Classic. McCann entered play on Sunday leading American League catchers with a .940 OPS.
• Cast your Esurance MLB All-Star Ballot
Other Yankees who are enjoying solid starts to the season include second baseman Starlin Castro, outfielder Brett Gardner and outfielder Carlos Beltran.
The Yankees are represented on the ballot by McCann, first baseman Mark Teixeira, Castro, third baseman Chase Headley, shortstop Didi Gregorius, Beltran, outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, Gardner and designated hitter Alex Rodriguez.
Last year, the Yankees were represented at the All-Star Game by Teixeira, Gardner and right-hander Dellin Betances.
Browsing the ballot
The other side: The Cubs' Dexter Fowler has proven himself worthy of All-Star consideration thus far. Fowler entered play on Sunday with a .385 average, nine doubles and three homers, and his 1.198 OPS was second in the NL to the Nationals' Bryce Harper.
Tip of the cap: There's a great debate brewing in the AL at third base, where voters are forced to decide between the reigning Most Valuable Player, the Blue Jays' Josh Donaldson, and the exciting Manny Machado of the Orioles, among others. Machado is off to a great start, hitting .397 with six homers entering Sunday.
A rising star: The Marlins' Christian Yelich already had a bright future in this league, and he may be taking his game to another level. The 24-year-old owns a .396 average entering Sunday, and he was leading the Majors with a .529 on-base percentage.
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 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.