McCutchen gaining steam in All-Star balloting
Pirates outfielder sixth in latest update, needs final push to make NL squad
PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates have made their move. And Andrew McCutchen is making his now.
Pittsburgh's center fielder has ramped up his contention for a starting spot in this year's Midsummer Classic in Citi Field, and his voting fans have a precious two days left to help him complete the rally.
McCutchen garnered more than 730,000 votes last week, placing his total in the latest updates issued on Tuesday at 2,510,614. The two-time National League All-Star, who in the previous update lagged 586,000 votes shy of a starting spot, has charged within 400,000 of third place Justin Upton of the Braves.
McCutchen also moved into sixth place in the balloting.
Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- online or via a mobile device -- using the 2013 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot until Thursday at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Fans may submit 25 online ballots during the voting period but can also earn a one-time bonus of 10 additional online ballots. To access these additional online ballots, fans must be logged into an MLB.com account when submitting any online ballot. To obtain an MLB.com account, visit www.mlb.com and register in accordance with the enrollment instructions for a free MLB.com account.
Fans can also once again participate in the Home Run Derby Fan Poll. Fans will have the opportunity to select three players in each league whom they would most like to see participate in the Home Run Derby. The 2013 Home Run Derby -- part of Gatorade All-Star Workout Day -- will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio in the United States beginning at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 15.
Though originally scheduled for Sunday, the 2013 rosters will now be unveiled Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET on the 2013 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Taco Bell. The show will be televised nationally on FOX.
From Saturday to Thursday, July 11, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2013 All-Star Game Final Vote Sponsored by freecreditscore.com for the final player for each League's All-Star roster.
And the voting doesn't end there. The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the official voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer Classic, fans will vote exclusively online at MLB.com via the 2013 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote, and their voice will represent 20 percent of the official vote determining the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.
The 2013 All-Star Game will be played at Citi Field on Tuesday, July 16. Come to MLB.com for extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities.
The 84th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, 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 also will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.
With the Bucs taking a nine-game winning streak into Tuesday night's series-opening game against the Phillies, and as owners of MLB's best record, the team figures to have a substantial representation in the Midsummer Classic.
The fates of pitchers Jeff Locke, Mark Melancon and Jason Grilli will be decided by Giants and NL manager Bruce Bochy, and slugging third baseman Pedro Alvarez may also find his way to Queens through one of the secondary routes.
But fans still have McCutchen's fate in the palm of their hands. That thing's called a mouse, and they still have two days to click it.