Programming note: A’s-Yankees coverage starts tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. with A’s Pregame Live on Comcast SportsNet California (Channel locations)
A's third baseman Josh Donaldson has taken a commanding lead in the American League fan balloting at his position, based on the second balloting figures for the 85th All-Star Game released Monday.
After the first ballot, Donaldson held a narrow lead over two-time All-Star starter Evan Longoria of Tampa Bay, 464,367 to 407,724. But after the second ballot, Donaldson now leads Longoria by 367,190 votes (956,811 to 589,621).
Donaldson, who is batting .325 with 23 runs scored, eight home runs and 24 RBI over his last 21 games, would become the first A’s third baseman to earn a fan-elected start, and the first Oakland player overall to receive a fan-election since first baseman Jason Giambi in 2000.
Donaldson leads the Majors with 48 runs scored, is tied for third in the A.L. with 15 home runs and ranks fourth in the league with 48 RBI. With four different teams currently represented in the A.L. infield, the 85th All-Star Game could mark the first time since 2003, and the 19th time overall since fan balloting began in 1970, that the four A.L. fan-elected starting infielders come from four different teams.
[RELATED: Donaldson leading AL third basemen in All-Star voting]
Four other notable Oakland players are ranked in their respective positions:
Derek Norris ranks third among AL catchers with 569,752 votes
Jed Lowrie ranks fifth among AL shortstops with 277,430
Yoenis Cespedes ranks eighth (502,236) and Coco Crisp ranks 15th (299,400) among AL outfielders
Brandon Moss was ranked fifth as a designated hitter after the first ballot, but is no longer listed in the Top 5.
