Former Virginia Commonwealth University baseball star Brandon Inge was named among five candidates for the final spot on the American League All-Star roster for Major League Baseball’s Mid Summer Classic. This year, the game is taking part in the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

Inge is joined by Chone Figgins of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers, Adam Lind, of the Toronto Blue Jays and Carlos Pena of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (a former Northeastern Husky) as candidates for the final spot.

Known around baseball as one of the best defensive third baseman in the game, Inge’s fielding skill gains him regular appearances on highlight reels across the country. His 154 assists and 25 double plays are tops among all American League third basemen entering play on July 5th.

However, the Lynchburg, Va., native’s offense has been what has separated him from the pack with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs, both on course for career highs. Only Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria (the AL’s starting third baseman) and Toronto’s Scott Rolen hold a higher OPS (on-base plus slugging) than Inge (.868 OPS).

Voting is only held on MLB.com and will conclude on 4 p.m. on Thurs., July 9.

– The information above was provided by Scott Day at VCU