Dubón relishes first time on All-Star Ballot

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HOUSTON -- Mauricio Dubón won’t be voted to start the All-Star Game this year. Far from it. A utility player, Dubón ranked 14th among American League outfielders with 343,772 votes in the latest fan-voting totals released Monday. Only the top six outfielders will advance to Phase 2 of voting, which begins Sunday.

Dubón entered the Astros' game against the Rockies on Wednesday hitting .292 with three homers and 27 RBIs, which aren’t eye-opening numbers by any means. But his value goes beyond that because of his ability to play all over the field. He’s the first Astros player to start at seven positions -- every spot but catcher and pitcher -- this season.

Astros manager Joe Espada said there should be a spot on the ballot for a utility player like Dubón, just like a utility Gold Glove Award was added in 2022 (Dubón won the award at the utility spot in '23).

“I think those players are super valuable and I think a lot of times they go unnoticed for what they mean,” Espada said. “I think there is a spot for an All-Star, and it should be used like that in an All-Star Game, where he goes and plays multiple positions and shows the versatility.”

This year marks Dubón’s first time on the All-Star Ballot, which in itself is an honor for him. As the only player in the Major Leagues from Honduras, Dubón said he has an entire country voting for him.

“I got a good amount of votes so far, but nowhere near some of the guys,” Dubón said. “It feels pretty good having people backing you up.”

Dubón agreed with his manager’s opinion that there should be a spot for utility players on the ballot.

“Make it happen,” Dubón said, “We’re valuable in the sense we should be shown in the All-Star Game, too.”

The Astros acquired Dubón, 29, in a trade with the Giants in May 2022 that will go down as one of their best (they sent catcher Michael Papierski to San Francisco). Dubón hit .214 as part of the Astros' World Series cast in 2022. He proved his value last year by opening the season as the starting second baseman for an injured Jose Altuve.

Dubón slashed .278/.309/.411 with 10 homers and 46 RBIs in the regular season last year, including a 20-game hitting streak. He then hit .320 in the playoffs. This year, he’s started 17 games in left field, 14 in center, seven at first base, three each at second base, third base and right field, and two at shortstop.

“It’s pretty crazy,” Dubón said. “Having a different glove, it’s pretty cool. But at the same time, as long as it gets you on the field, I’m good about it. … The days I don’t play are the hardest days, because I have to get ready [to play] all seven.”

Dubón hasn’t ruled out being selected as a reserve. The pitchers and reserves for both squads -- totaling 23 players for each side -- will be determined via “Player Ballot” choices and selections made by the Commissioner’s Office. The complete All-Star rosters will be announced at 4:30 p.m. CT on ESPN on Sunday, July 7.

“I think that would be a dream come true,” Dubón said. “You always dream of playing in the All-Star Game, and if it ends up happening, I’ll be excited about it. I want to join the guys and be able to show the world that I’m here.”