Marlins' Gordon, Stanton remain on pace to start in All-Star Game
MIAMI -- For the second straight week, Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon and right fielder Giancarlo Stanton remain in line to start for the National League at this year's All-Star Game. The latest update came on Tuesday afternoon.
Gordon, who leads the majors with a .370 average and 78 hits, paces all NL second basemen with 1,531,048 votes. He made the All-Star team last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Stanton sits third among NL outfielders with 1,210,108 votes, behind the Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper (2,323,186) and the St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Holliday (1,654,428). He leads the majors with 44 RBI and is tied for third in the league with 15 homers. Stanton is a two-time All-Star (2012, 2014).
"I think it's well deserved," manager Dan Jennings said. "It's great to see guys that are having the beginnings to this season that they're having. I think the numbers speak for themselves. They're two exciting players that bring a lot of energy to this ballteam and certainly the face of baseball to do what they've done. It's great to see them get the recognition that they truly deserve."
No other Marlin is in the top five for his position, including shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria. Among NL shortstops, he ranks second in average (.300), fourth in runs (25) and eighth in RBI (20).
"I think the fact he's been shut down for a few days with the shoulder has probably hurt him that way, but I think now people are recognizing that this guy's very special at what he does," Jennings said of Hechavarria. "His numbers, hitting wise, hitting in the eighth hole, he's performed very well. And defensively he's a Gold Glover."
The All-Star Game, which will air on FOX, will take place on July 14 at Great American Ball Park, the home of the Cincinnati Reds. Voting continues through July 2 and fans can vote up to 35 times.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
