Stanton climbs to second among NL outfielders in latest All-Star update
MIAMI -- Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton surged into second place among National League outfielders in the latest All-Star Game update Tuesday afternoon.
Stanton (4,824,989), who dropped to fourth behind the San Francisco Giants' Nori Aoki last week, pushed ahead of Aoki (4,349,685) and the St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Holliday (4,716,941).
A two-time All-Star, Stanton leads the majors in home runs (25) and RBI (64). He earned co-NL Player of the Week for June 7-14. He served as the NL's designated hitter last year in Minnesota.
Dee Gordon (5,244,914) continues to pace all second baseman, even expanding his lead over the Cardinals' Kolten Wong (4,025,055). Gordon is tied for the big-league lead with the Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt in average (.356) and is first in hits (104).
Last week, mascot Billy the Marlin promoted the pair while visiting New York and Cincinnati during the five-game road trip.
Cincinnati, I've arrived! #VoteAirGordon #VoteGSquad pic.twitter.com/qDc28dTJ1x
— Billy The Marlin (@BillytheMarlin) June 19, 2015
When you find out @Giancarlo818 is NOT leading in All-Star Game votes. #VoteGSquad pic.twitter.com/5QFNGL2BfR
— Billy The Marlin (@BillytheMarlin) June 18, 2015
The final voting update will come next Tuesday before lineups are announced. Voting ends on July 2 at 11:59 p.m. Fans can vote a total of 35 times. The All-Star Game will take place July 14 at Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds.
"It would mean a lot," Stanton said of starting. "We appreciate (the fans') participation and support for us. All of the players being selected. It means a lot no matter what city they're in."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
