Baseball arbitrator rules in Rogers’ favor

NEW YORK – Kenny Rogers was reinstated Tuesday when an arbitrator ruled that commissioner Bud Selig went too far by suspending the Texas pitcher for 20 games and fining him $50,000 for shoving two cameramen.

Rogers will have missed 13 games by the time his reinstatement becomes effective today, when he’s scheduled to start against Boston at Fenway Park.

Also, Rogers’ fine will be converted to a charitable contribution. The ruling, by arbitrator Shyam Das, followed a hearing Monday in Chicago.

“We always thought it was out of line,” players’ union head Donald Fehr said. “Were we surprised? No.”

Said Selig: “I strongly disagree with arbitrator Das’ decision today. It sends the wrong message to the fans, the media, and our players.”