NEW YORK — With a bevy of aces to choose from for his National League All-Star staff, manager Charlie Manuel thought there was no reason to rush rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg into the Midsummer Classic.

"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," Manuel said Sunday after Major League Baseball announced the rosters for the July 13 All-Star game in Anaheim, Calif.

AL MVP catcher Joe Mauer was the fan's favorite with 5,372,606 votes, the third- highest total ever. Albert Pujols earned the most votes in the National League.

The Mets' David Wright surged past the Phillies' Placido Polanco in the final weeks to win the NL starting third baseman spot. Wright had a super June, hitting .404 and driving in 29 runs while Polanco is on the disabled list because of a sore elbow.

Each squad still has one more spot on their 34-man rosters. Fans will make the decision, choosing from a list of five candidates in each league in an Internet runoff.

Strasburg's 100 mph fastball has captivated fans around baseball since the Washington Nationals called up the right-hander June 8. His manager, though, understands why his 21-year-old franchise player will have a few days off.

"I certainly see the logic. He hasn't been out there that much yet to be on the club," Jim Riggleman said. "I think there'll be some All-Star Games in the future."

Strasburg watched the selection show on a clubhouse TV, but was called away by team management after the first couple of pitchers were selected.

"I thought he had a pretty good shot," Nationals closer and All-Star pick Matt Capps said. "He's one of the top pitchers in baseball right now."

Strasburg still has a chance to be selected as a replacement for an injured player. One of Manuel's picks, Brewers right-hander Yovani Gallardo, injured his side Sunday and likely will miss the game.

Chase Utley was voted in as the starting second baseman for the NL, 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.