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4 Twins finalists in vote to start MLB All-Star Game

First baseman C.J. Cron, shortstop Jorge Polanco, outfielder Eddie Rosario, and designated hitter Nelson Cruz all advanced to the 28-hour special vote.
Credit: AP Images
SS Jorge Polanco had 2 hits and drove in 2 runs in leading the Twins over the Angels 8-3 Tuesday.

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins are the surprise story of the 2019 Major League Baseball (MLB) season so far, a fact that likely helped four Twins advance to the final vote to determine who will start in the All-Star Game. 

First baseman C.J. Cron, shortstop Jorge Polanco, outfielder Eddie Rosario, and designated hitter Nelson Cruz all advanced to the 28-hour special vote. All finished the three-week preliminary voting period in the top three at their position (nine outfielders in total). Outfielder Max Kepler missed a spot in the finals by less than 200 votes, and Twins catcher Jason Castro, third baseman Marwin Gonzales, and outfielder Byron Buxton were also close. 

The final voting period will begin Wednesday at 11 a.m. central standard time, and end 28 hours later at 3 p.m. Thursday. Voters will decide which of the finalists get to start for the American League and National Leagues in the Midsummer Classic at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 9. The starters will be announced Thursday night on ESPN.

Here are the finalists at each position for both the American and National Leagues. 

CATCHER

American League

  • Robinson Chirinos (Astros)
  • James McCann (White Sox)
  • Gary Sánchez (Yankees)
  • Just missed: Jason Castro (Twins)

National League

  • Willson Contreras (Cubs)
  • Yasmani Grandal (Brewers)
  • Brian McCann (Braves)

FIRST BASE

American League

  • C.J. Cron (Twins)
  • Carlos Santana (Indians)
  • Luke Voit (Yankees)
  • Just missed: Jose Abreu (White Sox), Yuli Gurriel (Astros)

National League

  • Josh Bell (Pirates)
  • Freddie Freeman (Braves)
  • Anthony Rizzo (Cubs)

SECOND BASE

American League

  • José Altuve (Astros)
  • Tommy La Stella (Angels)
  • DJ LeMahieu (Yankees)

National League

  • Ozzie Albies (Braves)
  • Ketel Marte (D-backs)
  • Mike Moustakas (Brewers)
  • Just missed: Enrique Hernandez (Dodgers)

SHORTSTOP

American League

  • Carlos Correa (Astros)
  • Jorge Polanco (Twins)
  • Gleyber Torres (Yankees)
  • Just missed: Francisco Lindor (Indians), Xander Bogaerts (Red Sox), Tim Anderson (White Sox)

National League

  • Javier Báez (Cubs)
  • Trevor Story (Rockies)
  • Dansby Swanson (Braves)
  • Just missed: Corey Seager (Dodgers)

THIRD BASE

American League

  • Alex Bregman (Astros)
  • Hunter Dozier (Royals)
  • Gio Urshela (Yankees)
  • Just missed: Rafael Devers (Red Sox), Marwin Gonzalez (Twins)

National League

  • Nolan Arenado (Rockies)
  • Kris Bryant (Cubs)
  • Josh Donaldson (Braves)
  • Just missed: Justin Turner (Dodgers)

OUTFIELD

American League

  • Mookie Betts (Red Sox)
  • Michael Brantley (Astros)
  • Joey Gallo (Rangers)
  • Aaron Judge (Yankees)
  • Austin Meadows (Rays)
  • Josh Reddick (Astros)
  • Eddie Rosario (Twins)
  • George Springer (Astros)
  • Mike Trout (Angels)
  • Just missed: Max Kepler (Twins), Byron Buxton (Twins)

National League

  • Ronald Acuña Jr.(Braves)
  • Albert Almora Jr. (Cubs)
  • Cody Bellinger (Dodgers)
  • Charlie Blackmon (Rockies)
  • Jason Heyward (Cubs)
  • Nick Markakis (Braves)
  • Joc Pederson (Dodgers)
  • Kyle Schwarber (Cubs)
  • Christian Yelich (Brewers)
  • Just missed: Bryce Harper (Phillies), Alex Verdugo (Dodgers), Ender Inciarte (Braves)

DESIGNATED HITTER

American League

  • Nelson Cruz (Twins)
  • J.D. Martinez (Red Sox)
  • Hunter Pence (Rangers)
  • Just missed: Shohei Ohtani (Angels), Aledmys Diaz (Astros)

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