#ASGWorthy: Donaldson, Machado prosper

The 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Ballot has been released, and while the season is still young, it’s never too early to start evaluating candidates. Many have already begun to stand out, while others are sure to hit their stride in the coming months leading up to the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard on July 12 at San Diego’s Petco Park.

As fans cast their votes for who they deem worthy of 2016 All-Star status, MLB.com is going to look position by position through each league, continuing today with the American League third basemen.

• Cast your Esurance All-Star ballot for #ASGWorthy players

The stalwarts

Toronto’s Josh Donaldson has continued to rake following his 2015 AL Most Valuable Player Award-winning campaign, leading the league with nine home runs, 26 runs scored and a .667 slugging percentage. Donaldson set a record for most total All-Star votes last year, and he’s sure to be popular again.

The conversation continues with veteran Adrian Beltre, a four-time All-Star who isn’t slowing down in his 19th Major League season. He’s hitting .301 with three home runs and 15 RBIs.

Evan Longoria is hitting just .242, but the three-time All-Star has displayed plenty of pop in the Rays’ lineup, and he already has five homers.

Todd Frazier is in a new league, but he’s still hitting home runs. The two-time All-Star (and 2015 Home Run Derby champion) already had seven roundtrippers and has driven in 17 for the White Sox.

The fast startersTravis Shaw hasn’t …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com