Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz has started the last three All-Star Games, but that streak may be in jeopardy this season.
Major League Baseball released its latest All-Star Game voting update Monday, and Ortiz now finds himself in second place in American League voting at the DH position. Ortiz was the leader when the first update was given last week, but he’s been passed by Baltimore Orioles slugger Nelson Cruz.
It’s not like Cruz hasn’t put up the numbers to warrant that change. He leads the majors in both home runs (20) and RBIs (52) heading into play Monday. Ortiz has 12 home runs and 31 RBIs through 54 games.
One thing that could “help” Ortiz is that Cruz left Sunday’s game with a hand injury.
Ortiz is the only Red Sox player in serious contention for starting spot. Dustin Pedroia is nearly 200,000 votes behind Robinson Cano at second base, and A.J. Pierzynski sits fifth in catcher voting. The Red Sox don’t have an outfielder in the top 15 at that position.
Mike Trout leads all American League players with more than 1.3 million votes through the second update. Fan voting will remain open on the MLB.com website until July 3.
Here are the top AL vote-getters so far at each position.
Catcher: Matt Wieters (Orioles)
First base: Miguel Cabrera (Tigers)
Second base: Robinson Cano (Mariners)
Third base: Josh Donaldson (A’s)
Shortstop: Derek Jeter (Yankees)
Outfielder: Mike Trout (Angels)
Outfielder: Jose Bautista (Blue Jays)
Outfielder: Melky Cabrera (Blue Jays)
Designated hitter: Nelson Cruz (Orioles)
