MLB objects to Dodgers bankruptcy financing

Jacoby Ellsbury has narrowed the gap on Josh Hamilton in fan voting for the final starting spot in the American League outfield at the All-Star game.

Major League Baseball released the latest results Tuesday. The All-Star teams will be announced Sunday, except for a last reserve.

Hamilton is the only player outside the A.L. East who leads in the voting. The Texas slugger is about 120,000 ahead of Ellsbury, the Boston speedster.

Toronto outfielder Jose Bautista tops all major leaguers with more than 5.2 million votes. Balloting ends Thursday night.

Injured shortstop Derek Jeter, third baseman Alex Rodriguez, second baseman Robinson Cano, outfielder Curtis Granderson and catcher Russell Martin of the New York Yankees are ahead, as are Boston first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and DH David Ortiz.

Dodgers bankruptcy

The owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers won a reprieve in bankruptcy court to maintain day-to-day operations, while Major League Baseball considered seizing control of the cash-strapped ballclub.

Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is squaring off in bankruptcy court against the league in a contentious battle over the franchise. The ownership fight is linked in part to McCourt’s divorce from his wife and former team CEO Jamie McCourt, who is also claiming half his assets.

McCourt gained approval from Judge Kevin Gross to enter into a $150 million bankruptcy financing arrangement to keep the team running.

A person familiar with the league’s plans told The Associated Press that MLB “probably” will file a motion to seize the Dodgers, which has been operating under the oversight of a monitor appointed by Selig in April.

Around the majors

The Dodgers again shut down closer Jonathan Broxton because of a bone bruise in his right elbow. … The Philadelphia Phillies placed closer Ryan Madson on the 15-day disabled list with a right hand contusion. … Cleveland Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo could miss up to 21/2 months after having surgery on his broken left thumb. … Former Minnesota Twins team president Howard Fox has died at the age of 90 in hospice car in the Orlando, Fla., area.