As the Major League Baseball All-Star Game approaches next month, the Texas Rangers might see only one of their own take a starting position on the field. Second baseman Marcus Semien stands out as the team’s primary contender to move beyond the initial voting phase for the prestigious game.

With the voting for the first phase set to conclude Thursday at 11 a.m., all eyes are on Semien, who currently holds the second-highest vote count among second basemen with a tally of 963,463. He trails behind Houston’s esteemed Jose Altuve, who leads with 1,233,299 votes. The anticipation within the Rangers organization is palpable, especially since Globe Life Field, the Rangers’ home ground, is the chosen venue for the All-Star Game scheduled for July 16.

Given that the Rangers are the reigning World Series champions, the desire to have at least one of their own as a starting player in the match-up between the American League and the National League is significant. At this juncture, Semien emerges as their best bet.

Following the closing of the first voting phase, if Semien secures his place among the top two, he will progress to the second phase of voting starting Sunday. It’s a fresh slate in the next round, as votes from phase one do not carry over, offering Semien a clear chance to vie for the starting spot anew.

Baltimore’s Jorge Mateo is currently in third place with 646,527 votes and is seen as the most immediate competition for Semien’s advancement.

Other Rangers players listed on the ballot have less promising outlooks for making it to the next voting phase. Shortstop Corey Seager and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe find themselves significantly behind in their respective categories, with Seager in fourth place and Lowe in fifth, both trailing by substantial margins in votes.

The team’s representation further down the ballot displays a range of standings. Designated hitter Josh Jung is in fifth place, Josh Smith, currently covering third base, ranks seventh, while outfielder Adolis García is positioned tenth amongst outfielders. Evan Carter and Leody Taveras are further down the list in the 18th and 20th spots, respectively.

As the Rangers continue their season on the road this week with series against Milwaukee and Baltimore, followed by a home stint against the Los Angeles Angels concluding on the Fourth of July, the focus within the team and among fans will surely be on the All-Star Game voting results, particularly for Semien’s promising bid for a starting role.