Reporting from New York — Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp and Angels infielder Chone Figgins will be getting a three-game vacation instead of a trip to next week's All-Star game after an online vote of fans gave the final National League roster spot to the Phillies' Shane Victorino and the last American League berth to Detroit's Brandon Inge.
Kemp and Figgins were among five candidates to fill out the All-Star teams for their respective leagues but both were well back in the balloting. Kemp, who entered Thursday's game with the Mets batting .314 with 19 steals and team highs for runs (46) and hits (97), finish fourth in the NL balloting.
Figgins, who started Thursday leading the AL in runs (63) and ranking among the top 10 in batting (.310), hits (99), on-base percentage (.395) and steals (24), was third in the AL voting.
The Dodgers, who will go into the All-Star break with the best record in the NL, will be represented in St. Louis by second baseman Orlando Hudson, closer Jonathan Broxton and right-hander Chad Billingsley, who will start Friday's series opener in Milwaukee. That will give him three days rest before Tuesday's game, making it possible he could start for the NL.
The Angels, in second place in the AL West heading into their final series of the first half tonight, are expecting to send closer Brian Fuentes and outfielder Torii Hunter to the All-Star Game, although Hunter's participation was thrown into doubt earlier this week by a sore groin. Hunter, who underwent an MRI on Wednesday, is expected to decide Friday whether he'll go to St. Louis.
kevin.baxter@latimes.com
