Notebook : A-Rod: He’ll play for fans
Alex Rodriguez plans to play in the All-Star game despite his strained left hamstring.
“I think, you know, 3.9 million votes, you feel like you have a responsibility to go out there and play,” the New York Yankees star said Saturday. “It’s been feeling pretty good, and we’ll go from there.”
A-Rod said he made his decision after New York’s 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in 13 innings on Saturday.
The two-time MVP acknowledged his leg is still not 100 percent, but he’ll start at third base for the American League on Tuesday night in San Francisco. He led fan balloting for All-Star spots, getting nearly 3.9 million votes.
“The game is about the fans, and to get that many votes, you feel like you have a responsibility to go out there and play well,” he said.
Wells gets boot
San Diego Padres left-hander David Wells was ejected in the fourth inning against Atlanta for arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Ed Hickox after allowing a two-run homer by Jeff Francoeur.
After he was tossed, the big left-hander had to be restrained by manager Bud Black, two coaches and catcher Josh Bard. Wells fired a ball against the screen as he walked off the field.
Hamilton exits early
A sprained wrist forced Cincinnati Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton to leave for a pinch-hitter in the third inning of a game against Arizona.
Hamilton hit a grounder to Stephen Drew in the first inning, reaching safely on the shortstop’s fielding error. He winced after he crossed the base but stayed in the game.
When it came time to bat again, he headed for the trainer’s room instead. The Reds said he’d have a cast put on the wrist, and it will be examined again during the All-Star break.
Clearing the bases
Reigning Cy Young winner Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks will replace injured Colorado reliever Brian Fuentes on the National League roster for the All-Star game. … The Texas Rangers optioned right-hander Robinson Tejeda to Triple-A Oklahoma. … The Baltimore Orioles placed shortstop Freddie Bynum on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring.