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Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement is heading to the MLB all-star game after finishing as the surprise top recipient of fan votes among American League players.
The top vote-getter in each league earned an automatic spot on their league’s roster for the midsummer classic.
In a far more expected result, Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani received the most votes among National League players.
Clement, who has a .292 average with seven homers and 28 runs batted in over 77 games, received 3,232,932 total votes and will be the AL’s second baseman.
His total outpaced Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (2,911,655 votes), Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (2,567,404), Angels outfielder Mike Trout (2,511,587) and Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (2,513,492).
Ohtani, who helped the Dodgers to a seven-game win over the Blue Jays in last year’s World Series, had the overall lead with 3,341,257 votes.
“It’s tough coming in second place to the Dodgers again,” Clement said Thursday before Toronto opened a four-game series with visiting Texas at Rogers Centre. “That’s my first thought. But he’s one of the greatest players to ever play this game.
“I don’t mind being in the same conversation as these guys. It’s pretty funny to me honestly and it’s really cool. It’s a really cool honour. I feel the love from Canada and all Blue Jays’ fans, and it means a lot.”
The top two Phase 1 finishers at each position (except AL second baseman and NL designated hitter) and the top six outfielders advanced to Phase 2, where they will be subject to a new round of voting.
Toronto has a finalist at every available position, with catcher Alejandro Kirk, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, shortstop Andres Gimenez, outfielders Daulton Varsho and Jesus Sanchez and designated hitter George Springer all making the cut.
The all-star game is July 14 in Philadelphia.
