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Rogers’ Suspension Is Shortened

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From Times Staff and Wire Reports

Kenny Rogers will pitch tonight for the Texas Rangers after his 20-game suspension for shoving two cameramen June 29 was reduced to time served -- 13 games -- by an independent arbitrator Tuesday.

Arbitrator Shyam Das ruled that the suspension handed down by Commissioner Bud Selig was excessive; he ordered that the $50,000 fine will be paid to a charity and that incentive clauses missed by Rogers because of the suspension will be honored.

Selig, who issued the penalty and then denied Rogers’ appeal, said in a statement, “I strongly disagree with arbitrator Das’ decision today. It sends the wrong message to every one of our constituents: the fans, the media and our players. There is a standard of behavior that is expected of our players, which was breached in this case. The arbitrator’s decision diminishes that standard and is contrary to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. In my opinion, the decision is seriously ill-conceived.”

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Rogers still faces misdemeanor assault charges, for which he posted a $1,500 bond. He was to return Tuesday from the arbitration hearing, held in Chicago, and start tonight against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

“In a lot of our minds, hopefully this is the last piece of putting it behind us,” Ranger Manager Buck Showalter told reporters in Boston.

Larry Rodriguez, one of the cameramen involved in the altercation, continues to be treated for injuries sustained in the incident, a station official told Associated Press.

“Whatever time that Kenny served, I hope that he’s been able to address whatever issues he had with whomever he had, and use the time productively,” Rodriguez told AP.

-- Tim Brown

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Randy Johnson will miss his next turn in the rotation because of a bad back, leaving the New York Yankees unsure who will start Thursday night against the Rangers.

The 6-foot-10 left-hander had an MRI exam on Monday that showed inflammation of the lumbar spine.

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Two congressmen looking for details about Rafael Palmeiro’s steroid suspension sent a list of questions to Selig.

Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), who introduced a bill to establish uniform drug programs in professional sports, and Rep. Joe L. Barton (R-Texas), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, want Selig to provide information about Palmeiro’s case, including a timeline.

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San Diego put pitcher Adam Eaton back on the disabled list so he can go down to the minors and make at least three starts.... Boston acquired left-handed reliever Mike Remlinger and cash from the Chicago Cubs for minor league pitcher Olivo Astacio.

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