With RBI, Cespedes makes Final Vote case
MINNEAPOLIS -- When Royals left fielder Alex Gordon went down with an injury on Wednesday, American League manager Ned Yost quickly named his replacement for the All-Star Game presented by T-Mobile: the Yankees' Brett Gardner. But on Thursday, Tigers left fielder Yoenis Cespedes, a 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote candidate, continued to make his case for the Midsummer Classic in Detroit's 4-2 win over Minnesota.
Cespedes had two hits in the victory, including an RBI double in the eighth inning that gave his team an important insurance run.
"The difference between a one-run lead and a two-run lead with six outs to go is enormous," manager Brad Ausmus said.
Cespedes also showed off his arm, nearly throwing out Trevor Plouffe at home. If not for a slight double clutch, he would have cut down the run.
With the two hits, Cespedes raised his season average to .293. He also has 12 home runs and 47 RBIs.
As of Friday's balloting update, Cespedes was third of four, behind Kansas City's Mike Moustakas and Minnesota's Brian Dozier.
During the All-Star Game presented by T-Mobile in Cincinnati on Tuesday, fans can once again visit MLB.com to submit their choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. Voting exclusively at MLB.com, online and via their mobile devices in the 2015 All-Star Game MVP Vote presented by Chevrolet, the fans' collective voice will represent 20 percent of the overall vote that determines the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.
MLB.TV Premium subscribers will be able to live stream the All-Star Game via MLB.TV through FOX's participating video providers. Access will be available across more than 400 supported MLB.TV platforms, including the award-winning MLB.com At Bat app. MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities, including the 2015 Gillette Home Run Derby presented by Head & Shoulders, part of Gatorade All-Star Workout Day on Monday. The Derby will feature a new format with brackets and timed rounds and will be broadcast live by ESPN and MLB.com beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
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