Hardy takes shortstop lead in AL All-Star voting

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Major League Baseball released the latest round of voting results in the American League for the All-Star Game on July 16 at Citi Field in New York, and there's a new leader at shortstop. J.J. Hardy has overtaken the Rangers' Elvis Andrus, joining teammates Chris Davis and Adam Jones as leaders at their respective positions. Nick Markakis moved up to fourth among outfielders. Hardy, an All-Star in 2007, is aiming to become just the third Orioles shortstop to earn a fan-elected start, joining Cal Ripken Jr. (12 times, 1984-87, 89-96) and Miguel Tejada (2005). He's also attempting to become the first AL shortstop other than the Yankees' Derek Jeter to earn a fan-elected starting nod since Tejada. Hardy, who leads all AL shortstops with 13 home runs and 37 RBIs, has totaled 1,231,843 votes. Andrus is second with 1,045,885. Jones has taken over the top spot in the AL outfield with 1,944,450 votes, passing last week's leader, the Angels' Mike Trout, who's now second with 1,939,486. The Tigers' Torii Hunter is third with 1,067,973 votes. Markakis is fourth with 1,030,653 votes, followed by the Blue Jays' Jose Bautista (1,021,813) and the Rangers' Nelson Cruz (1,011,198). Davis has received the second-highest number of votes in the AL with 2,084,274 while trying to become the first Orioles first baseman since Hall of Famer Eddie Murray in 1985 to receive a fan-elected start. The Tigers' Prince Fielder is second with 1,469,537 votes. Twins catcher Joe Mauer has totaled 1,492,396 votes and continues to lead Matt Wieters (1,153,795), a two-time All-Star. Manny Machado remains in second place among third baseman behind the Tigers' Miguel Cabrera, whose 2,355,128 votes lead all AL players. Machado has received 1,170,108 votes. When the in-stadium phase of balloting concludes on June 28th, fans will have the opportunity to cast their ballots exclusively online at MLB.com, the 30 team websites and their mobile devices until July 4 at 11:59 p.m.