MLB All-Star Update: Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig Climb The Ranks
Although the Los Angeles Dodgers have performed well recently and have maintained their lead in the National League West, they are in danger of not having a single player represent them in the NL starting lineup in the All-Star Game on July 14 in Cincinnati.
Adrian Gonzalez, who held the lead for first basemen the first two weeks and dropped to second place last week, still trails Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks. After having a monster week, slashing .650/.708/1.050 (13-for-20) , Goldschmidt has pulled ahead by nearly 1,000,000 votes (Gonzalez: 2,699,729; Goldschmidt: 3,562,399). Gonzalez was only 3-for-21 in the last week, although he did have the game-tying and game-winning RBIs in Sunday’s win over the San Diego Padres.
Despite having a walk-off hit on June 11, Howie Kendrick remains in fourth place among second basemen, trailing ex-Dodger Dee Gordon by over 2,000,000 votes. Kendrick was sidelined for a short period of time with a knee injury, but has made a full recovery and rejoined the lineup.
Joc Pederson has jumped in All-Star voting since last week, possibly due to his highlight catch in San Diego on Sunday. Previously in 11th place, the center fielder has jumped to eighth place, just behind Jason Heyward of the St. Louis Cardinals. Although his bat has had hot and cold streaks, his defense has not wavered, making 34 plays outside of his zone. However, he still trails Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who is currently in fifth place, by 469,155 votes. Pederson is having a breakout season for the Dodgers and should be in talks for the Rookie of the Year award.
Also in the outfield, Yasiel Puig has once again appeared in the top-15 of NL outfielders. After missing 39 games, Puig fell from the ballot update in recent weeks and now is 13th after a seven-game hit streak upon his return from the DL.
Although Yasmani Grandal is fifth place in catcher voting, he still trails Buster Posey by over 3,000,000 votes. The catcher has quietly hit three home runs in the last four games.
Voting continues until 11:59 PM on July 2, so be sure to get your votes in for the Dodgers HERE.
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