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DETROIT -- Hunter Pence led the early voting results for designated hitter in the 2019 Google MLB All-Star Starters Election, ahead of Boston’s J.D. Martinez and Minnesota’s Nelson Cruz. But, like his teammate and fellow All-Star finalist Joey Gallo, Pence required a stint on the injured list, which has hampered a breakout comeback campaign that may yet see him named an All-Star Game starter for the first time in his 13-year career.

“I remember texting him that I was hoping he gets better [soon],” Gallo said, “because being in the hunt for the All-Star Game, it’s a big thing. Especially with the year he’s been having.”

Pence was a reserve on the 2009, 2011 and 2014 National League All-Star rosters. A Minor League free-agent signing by Texas this offseason, Pence has produced All-Star numbers at the Major League level for the Rangers, hitting .294 with a .962 OPS before a groin strain sent him to the injured list on June 17.

“Anytime you’re hurt, I’m sure it does impact votes,” Rangers manager Chris Woodward said before the Rangers’ 4-1 win over the Tigers on Wednesday night at Comerica Park. “They’re both deserving. But it hurts Hunter a little bit to not be playing right now.”

The Starters Election began at 11 a.m. CT today, with fans voting during a 28-hour window that ends at 3 p.m. CT on Thursday. During this second phase of voting, in which fans can vote once on MLB platforms and submit up to 17 unique player votes on Google, vote totals will reset (i.e., vote totals from “The Primary” do not carry over), and the winner at each position (including three outfielders per League) will be named a starting position player for the 2019 Midsummer Classic.

Results of The Starters Election will be announced on Thursday night at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN’s “Google MLB All-Star Election Night.” All-Star pitchers and reserves will be named Sunday at 4:30 p.m. CT on the Google MLB All-Star Selection Show, also on ESPN.

Pence is eligible to return from the IL on Thursday, but is unlikely to return to the roster until after the weekend series in St. Petersburg.

“He’s always itching to get on the field, no matter what,” Gallo said. “It was unfortunate. He was playing so well, and came up limping. But I think he’s going to be ready to go soon. He’s a grinder. He’s not going to let anything take him out of the lineup.”

Pence, along with Isiah Kiner-Falefa, took live batting practice Wednesday off Minor League pitcher Wes Robinson, who flew into Detroit specifically to throw the session. Pence did some running along the edge of the infield, too.

“He still can’t run full speed,” Woodward said. “There’s no reason to push it at this point.”

Pence is tentatively scheduled to take BP and run the bases on Friday in St. Petersburg when the Rangers arrive for their series against the Rays, and is expected to be sent on a rehab assignment for a couple of games before rejoining Texas.

Woodward acknowledged that Pence will not rejoin the team Thursday, the first day he’s eligible to be activated from the 10-day IL. Pence is more likely to return next Monday before the start of the Rangers’ four-game homestand against the Angels.

“Hunter has to be healthy,” Woodward said. “I don’t want to tip-toe around being able to use him or not being able to use him. I’d rather him just be fully healthy when he comes back.”

There remains no timeline for the return of Kiner-Falefa, who has been sidelined for most of June with a sprained middle finger on his right (throwing) hand.