Mauer tops All-Star votes

NEW YORK — In the year of the pitcher, no-hit aces Ubaldo Jimenez and Roy Halladay lead a formidable National League All-Star staff. Rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg will have to wait at least another season before he gets the nod.

A.L. MVP catcher Joe Mauer was announced Sunday by Major League Baseball as the fans’ top choice for the July 13 All-Star game in Anaheim, Calif. Albert Pujols earned the most votes in the National League.

In the closest voting, the Mets’ David Wright overtook the Phillies’ Placido Polanco in the final week to win the N.L. starting third baseman spot.

Each squad still has one more spot to fill in its 34-man roster. Fans will make the decision in an Internet runoff.

Strasburg’s 100 mph fastball has captivated fans around baseball since the Washington Nationals called the right-hander up June 8, but N.L. manager Charlie Manuel would like to see 21-year-old settle into his role as an ace before making the Midsummer Classic.

“I looked there and I felt like, in my opinion, and I’m not his manager, but at the same time he’s a young kid,” Manuel said. “I say let him pitch and let him get his feet on the ground in the major leagues and kind of let him earn his way.”

Philadelphia’s Chase Utley was voted as the starting second baseman for the N.L., but he is out with an injured right thumb. He will be replaced in the lineup by Atlanta’s Martin Prado.

Colorado’s injured shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was chosen as a reserve by his peers. His spot will be taken by the Mets’ Jose Reyes.

The other starters who will try to help the N.L. win its first All-Star game since 1996 are: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina; Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez; and Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun, Los Angeles’ Andre Ethier and Atlanta’s Jason Heyward in the outfield.

Heyward, on the 15-day disabled list with a deep bone bruise in his left thumb, said Sunday he might play in the All-Star game.

In the American League, Mauer is joined by Minnesota Twins teammate Justin Morneau, the first baseman.

The other A.L. starters: Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano and shortstop Derek Jeter; Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria; Texas designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero; and Texas’ Josh Hamilton, Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki and Tampa Bay’s Carl Crawford in the outfield.

The Yankees and Red Sox have a leading six All-Stars each.

Cincinnati’s Arthur Rhodes, a former Mariners reliever, made his first All-Star team at 40. In his 19th season, Rhodes has a 1.09 ERA in 37 appearances.

The Braves and Cardinals each had five All-Stars to lead the N.L.

The N.L. Internet candidates are San Diego’s Heath Bell, Colorado’s Carlos Gonzalez, Cincinnati’s Joey Votto, Atlanta’s Billy Wagner and Washington’s Ryan Zimmerman.

The A.L. Internet candidates are Chicago’s Paul Konerko, New York’s Nick Swisher, Minnesota’s Delmon Young, Texas’ Michael Young and Boston’s Kevin Youkilis.

Complete rosters on Scoreboard, Page B5