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Rogers to play in All-Star Game

Texas Rangers thrower Kenny Rogers ended all speculation Sunday night and stated that he`s going to the All-Star Game because he was voted in by the players and he feels that he has earned the chance to go. Rogers has continued to pitch while the players` association appeals his 20-game suspension and $50,000 fine from commissioner Bud Selig for shoving two cameramen last month. Rogers` contract includes a $50,000 bonus for being an All-Star.

"People are going to do whatever they are going to do," Rogers told the newspaper Sunday. "I want the players to know their vote means a lot to me. I know how the players feel and if I thought it would benefit them if I didn`t go, I wouldn`t go."

Rogers told team officials that he wasn`t speaking to reporters after the Rangers beat Toronto 9-8 in their final game before the break. The 40-year-old Rangers left-hander didn`t respond when asked questions while walking out of the clubhouse.