HOUSTON – The MLB All-Star voting for 2016 has come to a close, and Astros right fielder George Springer finished second in the polling, behind Michael Saunders, of the Toronto Blue Jays. This comes after an enormous campaign to have Springer join teammates Jose Altuve and Will Harris for the All-Star Game in San Diego on July 12.
"I'm not upset about it. Congratulations to him, and he deserves it," Springer said about Saunders.
"He can go and experience the game, and I can have some days off now, just relax and go back into the second half strong."
Springer said he's grateful for the overwhelming support from fans but joked he won't miss seeing his face plastered all over Minute Maid Park.
"He was definitely worthy of the consideration. I wish he was going," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said before Friday night's game. "He cares a lot about winning. He cares a lot about his teammates. He's a good example of what we're about."
Saunders earned more than 17 million votes, while the numbers weren't released for the other nominees. However, Springer had the most mobile text ballot votes through Thursday.