LOS ANGELES — After the first round of fan voting, two Dodger position players remain in the running to start for the National League at the All-Star Game July 19 at Dodger Stadium: outfielder Mookie Betts and shortstop Trea Turner.
Betts is one of four finalists for two starting outfield positions, along with Joc Pederson, Starling Marte and Adam Duvall. The top vote-getter in the first round automatically advances to the starting lineup under a new rule in place this season. That allowed Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. to clinch one of the three starting outfield spots.
Acuña received 3,503,188 votes. Betts was second with 3,479,480.
Betts is currently on the injured list with a right rib fracture, but could return in time to play for the National League. He took batting practice on the field Thursday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, and also took ground balls at second base.
Betts has a .273 batting average, 17 home runs and 40 RBIs in 60 games. He’s also 6 for 7 in stolen base attempts.
Turner is hitting .309 with 11 home run, 56 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 17 attempts. Turner made his first All-Star team last season and was traded by the Washington Nationals to the Dodgers less than three weeks later.
Turner will go to a runoff with Dansby Swanson, who finished second in the first round of voting among shortstops.
The top six outfielders were eligible for the final round of voting, along with the top two players at every other position. Voting to determine the starters begins July 5.
Max Muncy (fourth among NL designated hitters), Justin Turner (fourth among third basemen), Gavin Lux (fourth among second basemen), Freddie Freeman (third among first basemen) and Will Smith (fourth among catchers) all came close but did not make the final cut.
DODGERS CLAIM GIBAUT
The Dodgers claimed right-handed pitcher Ian Gibaut off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians. Gibaut, 28, threw 1 ⅓ scoreless innings Monday against the Minnesota Twins in his only major league appearance this season. Because he is out of options, Gibaut could not be sent to the minor leagues without clearing waivers first.
Gibaut is 1-2 with a 5.19 earned-run average in 28 career games, all as a reliever, in a four-year major league career with the Rays, Rangers, Twins and Guardians.
To make room for Gibaut on the 40-man roster, Daniel Hudson was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Hudson is expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.