Molina leads catchers in All-Star voting

Molina leads catchers in All-Star voting

Cardinal looking for eighth consecutive All- Star selection

MLB.com MILWAUKEE — Seeking his eighth consecutive All-Star selection, Yadier Molina has taken the early lead among National League catchers in voting for the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard.

Major League Baseball released its first wave of NL vote totals on the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot on Wednesday, and Molina sits as the only Cardinals player currently leading at his position. With 517,825 votes, Molina places about 78,000 votes ahead of San Francisco's Buster Posey, who edged him out for the starting nod last summer.

If Molina can finish the voting period still atop the list of NL catchers, he would join Ozzie Smith (12) and former teammate Albert Pujols (5) as the only players in Cardinals history to receive at least five fan-elected starts.

Only two other Cardinals – Matt Carpenter and Stephen Piscotty — cracked the early voting leaderboard. Carpenter sits in fourth place among NL third baseman, while Piscotty is 14th among outfielders. The rival Cubs currently have a hold on five of the eight starting assignments.

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 11:59 p.m. ET. 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. SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.

By Jenifer Langosch