Jays’ Clement into all-star game after receiving most fan votes in American League
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
TORONTO – 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 RBIs 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 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 Andrés Gimenez, outfielders Daulton Varsho and Jesus Sanchez and designated hitter George Springer all making the cut.
The all-star game goes July 14 in Philadelphia.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2026.