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Houston Astros right fielder George Springer should be a part of the MLB All-Star Game in San Diego next Tuesday.
The American League and National League all-star teams were announced Friday on ESPN. Jose Altuve and Will Harris were both selected to the AL team, with Altuve cracking the starting lineup at second base for the second consecutive year. This is Harris’ first career all-star selection and Altuve’s fourth.
But, Springer should be joining his teammates in San Diego. He is hitting .263/.360/.481 with 19 HR and 50 RBI this season. His 19 home runs are one short of his career high of 20, which he hit in 2014, helping him finish eighth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting that season. He is second among AL outfielders in HR and runs scored (61), fourth in WAR (3.5), seventh in hits (88) and ninth in RBI.
The 6’3″ 215 lb. right fielder has been much better since being permanently moved to the leadoff spot on May 24, hitting .272/.377/.513 with 10 HR, 25 RBI and 34 runs in 38 games. The Astros are 27-12 with Springer leading off and are just half a game back for the second wild card spot after fighting back from being 11 games under .500 (17-28) on May 22. As you may have noticed, the lowest point in the Astros season was just two days before Springer’s move to the top of the lineup and subsequent resurgence. This shows just how important he is to his team.
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Also on the ballot for the final vote is Ian Kinsler (.290/.348/.496 with 16 HR and 52 RBI), Evan Longoria (.278/.329/.521 with 18 HR and 45 RBI), Dustin Pedroia (.306/.368/.445 with 8 HR and 34 RBI) and Michael Saunders (.290/.366/.544 with 15 HR and 38 RBI). Just based on the numbers alone, it looks like it could be a close vote. But if you add in where his team came from and where he has helped to bring them, Springer should definitely be able to start packing for San Diego.
Make sure that you can see Springer at the all-star game by casting your Esurance Final Vote on MLB.com or by texting A5 to 89269. You can also vote by including #VoteSpringer in any tweet you send between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday. Voting ends at three p.m. on Friday, and the winners will be announced on MLB Network during a special presentation of MLB Now from 3-4 p.m.
Next: #VoteSpringer and Enter to Win Tickets
Climbing Tal’s Hill is holding a special contest and giving away tickets to an Astros’ game to help encourage everyone to vote for Springer. So make sure you vote today. Information about the contest can be found here.
**Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com**