ARLINGTON, Texas — With first-round voting complete, White Sox catcher James McCann was named an American League finalist Friday as a top-three vote-getter at his position for the All-Star Game July 9. Shortstop Tim Anderson and first baseman Jose Abreu, who had been fourth or third at their positions in the first two voting periods, came up short, leaving McCann as the only Sox finalist.
Not making finalist status only means Anderson and Abreu won’t be named starters in the All-Star Game. Right-hander Lucas Giolito and closer Alex Colome would also merit consideration for the AL pitching staff.
McCann is joined by Gary Sanchez of the Yankees, the heavy favorite to be the starter, and Robinson Chirinos of the Astros.
McCann’s .330 average and .385 on-base percentage going into Friday led all AL catchers, and his .525 slugging percentage was second.
The 28-hour starters election begins Wednesday at 11 a.m. CT. Starters will be announced Thursday.
Sox sign Hector Santiago
Left-hander Hector Santiago, 31, was signed to a minor-league contract after the Mets designated him for assignment last Friday.
Santiago pitched to a 6.75 ERA in eight innings of work, giving up 10 hits and five walks while striking out six. Before being called up, Santiago posted a 3.35 ERA in 43 innings for Class AAA Norfolk.
He’ll be trying for his third tour with the Sox, where he began his career in 2011-13. He was 6-3 with a 4.50 ERA with the Sox last season.
Jay close to return
Outfielder Jon Jay appears close to joining the Sox after two weeks of a minor league rehab assignment at Class AAA Charlotte. Jay, 34, has not played for the Sox after signing a $4 million deal during the offseason, then suffering a complicated groin strain during spring training.
Jay’s rehab assignment began with the Knights June 7. He was batting .356 going into their game Friday.
“I’m sure we will come to a point here soon where we’ll make a decision,” manager Rick Renteria said.
If Jay is brought up, right-handed hitting Ryan Cordell or left-handed hitting Charlie Tilson, who started while Leury Garcia (sore legs) got a day off, could be the odd man out.
Broadcast news
Radio voice Ed Farmer will miss the Rangers and Red Sox series due to personal matters. Andy Masur is filling in with play-by-play duty, on 720-AM. Farmer had missed the previous five games going into the series.
*Television ratings for NBC Sports Chicago’s game at Wrigley on Wednesday was its highest-rated White Sox telecast in seven years (3.67 Chicago market household rating). TV on NBCSCH are up 56 percent compared to last season’s final average.
This and that
Probable starters for the Red Sox Monday through Wednesday in Boston: Lucas Giolito Monday, TBA Tuesday, Reynaldo Lopez Wednesday.
*Eloy Jimenez’ 12 home runs have traveled an average of 421 feet, the second-highest average among players with 10 or more behind the Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. (422).
*Rangers third baseman Asdrubal Cabrera plans to appeal a four-game suspension from Major League Baseball for throwing a small shin guard or batting gloves on the field that hit umpire Bill Miller after he was ejected. Cabrera was in the lineup against the Sox Friday.
