Ortiz, Bogaerts Lead AL All-Star Voting At DH And Shortstop
BOSTON (CBS) -- The American League released its first update on voting for the 2016 All-Star Game, which takes place July 12 in San Diego. Both designated hitter David Ortiz and shortstop Xander Bogaerts lead the voting at each of their respective positions.
Ortiz currently holds 963,076 votes at DH and will almost certainly earn the starting nod, holding nearly double the votes over second-place Kendrys Morales of the Kansas City Royals (496,941 votes). Bogaerts with 598,847 votes holds a slight lead over the Royals' Alcides Escobar (593,218 votes). Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez, the 2015 World Series MVP, leads all players with 1,094,942 votes.
The Red Sox have players in the top five in voting at all offensive positions: Hanley Ramirez is fourth at first base with 296,276 votes; Dustin Pedroia is fourth at second base with 339,139 votes; Travis Shaw is fifth at third base with 240,730 votes; Jackie Bradley Jr. is fourth among outfielders with 554,887 votes; and even Blake Swihart is fifth at the catcher position with 149,694 votes.
Mookie Betts, who gave his All-Star hopes a nice boost with his three-homer game Tuesday night, sits seventh among outfielders with 400,700 votes.
Here are the current leaders at each position:
Catcher: Salvador Perez, Royals
First Base: Eric Hosmer, Royals
Second Base: Jose Altuve, Astros
Third Base: Manny Machado, Orioles
Shortstop: Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox
Outfield: Mike Trout, Angels; Lorenzo Cain, Royals; Mark Trumbo, Orioles
Designated Hitter: David Ortiz, Red Sox