Cardinals make push for ASG

Cardinals make push for ASG

Molina steady, Carpenter rising

MLB.com ST. LOUIS — Yadier Molina continues to hold his spot as the early leader in voting to start for the National League behind the plate at the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard.

Molina picked up 176,379 votes to keep his lead over Giants catcher Buster Posey in the second wave of NL vote totals on the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot released Wednesday. However, his advantage over Posey decreased 16,451 votes over the past week. Molina and Posey have combined to win each of the past four and six of the past seven fan elections for the NL at catcher.

Reigning NL Player of the Week Matt Carpenter picked up 96,461 votes to pass the Mets' David Wright for third place in the race for the starting job at third base.

Stephen Piscotty also picked up 106,000 votes, passing both Giancarlo Stanton and Curtis Granderson to take hold of 12th place among outfielders, where the top three vote-getters will nab starting spots.

Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites — on their computers, tablets and smartphones — exclusively online using the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, June 30, at 10:59 p.m. CT. Vote up to five times in any 24-hour period for a maximum of 35 times.

Fans may also receive the ballot by texting VOTE to 89269 (USA) or 101010 (Canada). Or text VOTA for a ballot in Spanish.

Message and data rates may apply. Up to five messages. No purchase required. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for info.

Following the announcement of the 2016 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player on each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 12, watch the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2016 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.

The 87th All-Star Game, in San Diego, will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game.

MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.

For more information, please visit allstargame.com.

By Nick Krueger