Virus Ends Season for Rockies’ Jennings

Colorado Rockie right-hander Jason Jennings will be out for the rest of the season after being hospitalized during the weekend because of a virus.

Jennings (12-13) sat out his start Saturday and will be scratched from his final start, Friday at San Diego.

Jennings, last year’s National League rookie of the year, spent Friday and Saturday in a Denver hospital.

“He has a virus that hit him pretty hard,” team trainer Tom Probst said, adding Jennings had a fever and was achy and dehydrated. “He is feeling better and is in good spirits.”

Manager Clint Hurdle said the club made the decision to end Jennings’ season.

“To get him out running and throwing and trying to jump-start him for the possibility of one more start, it’s not worth the risk,” Hurdle said.

Jennings had made 61 consecutive starts since the Rockies called him up late in the 2001 season. He had made 32 starts this season.

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Rafael Palmeiro wants to finish his career with the Texas Rangers. Owner Tom Hicks says that’s also what he wants.

Making it happen isn’t that easy.

Palmeiro played Sunday night not knowing if it would be his last home game with the Rangers. He is eligible for free agency after this season.

“When you go into an off-season not knowing what’s going to happen, it’s a little uncomfortable,” Palmeiro said. “But I have to deal with it.”

The Rangers have made it clear that Palmeiro, who turns 39 on Tuesday, would have to take a pay cut to return. He earned $9 million this season.

Palmeiro, who this season became the 19th player to hit 500 career home runs, has said he is willing to play for less money.