Nelson Cruz takes big early lead in All-Star voting

Mariners DH Nelson Cruz has taken a big early lead in the first update of fan voting for the 2017 All Star game.

Close races highlight the first American League balloting update for the 2017 @AllStarGame. Vote now at https://t.co/qd5OOxn7ED pic.twitter.com/caEZwC3uxh

— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) May 31, 2017

Cruz has a more than 170,000-vote lead over the next highest voted DH Edwin Encarnacion. The four-time All Star has post strong numbers despite missing some time with a calf injury and the Mariners’ inconsistant offensive production. The 36-year-old leads the American League in RBIs (42) and has a .279/.362/.519 slash-line, along with 12 home runs.

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A pair of other Mariners infielders are also among the Top 5 vote-getters at their respective positions.

Robinson Cano sits at No. 4, more than 300,000 votes behind Yankees second basemen Starlin Castro and the Astros’ Jose Altuve. Cano leads all AL second basemen with his 10 homers and 34 RBIs, plus has an OPS of .877

Shortstop Jean Segura is No. 5 at shortstop, more than 430,000 votes behind the Indians’ Francisco Lindor. Segura’s .345 batting average is best in the league.

Fans can cast votes for starters online until Thursday, June 29. Voters can cast a maximum of 35 ballots, with up to five votes in any 24-hour period.

The 88th Midsummer Classic will be played at Marlins Park in Miami on July 11.

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