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Rogers apologizes for rampage

ARLINGTON, Texas - Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers apologized Wednesday for last week's tirade against two TV cameramen that sent one to the hospital and prompted a police investigation, but he said he has not decided if he will play in Tuesday's All-Star Game.

Rogers, who is appealing his 20-game suspension for the outburst, apologized to fans and the cameramen in his first public comments since the June 29 incident. He declined to take questions and said he was speaking against the advice of his lawyer.

"I feel compelled to come before you and express my deep regret for my actions," Rogers said. "An incident that should have never occurred."

Rogers, a former Plant City High standout, read from a two-page, handwritten statement. He was soft-spoken and paused several times, but he rarely looked up during his two-minute address in a room packed with reporters and about a dozen cameras.

When he started to walk away from the podium, Rogers was asked if he planned to go to Detroit for the All-Star Game.

"I have made no decisions on anything else," Rogers said. "This is the incident I wanted to address and nothing else, I don't want to confuse anything else."

On June 29, Rogers lashed out at the cameramen as they filmed him walking to the field for pregame stretching. The episode was captured on videotape and led to KDFW cameraman Larry Rodriguez being treated at a hospital after the camera was ripped from his hands and thrown to the ground. A day earlier, the pitcher ordered cameras turned off around him in the clubhouse.

"I've been around this game for over 20 years. I prepare myself every day to control my emotions and act accordingly," Rogers said. "In this instance, I failed miserably."

Arlington police spokesman Christy Gilfour said Wednesday that Rodriguez and David Mammeli, a Fox Sports Southwest photographer who was first shoved but not injured, had filed assault reports.

BOSTON - With their struggling closer on the disabled list and their ace at partial strength, the Red Sox are sending Curt Schilling to the bullpen to plug a gap there and help him work his way back from an ankle injury.

Schilling has been on a rehabilitation assignment while trying to recover from a right ankle injury that put him on the disabled list after three starts. In what was expected to be his last appearance, he struggled through five innings with Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday.

Meanwhile, closer Keith Foulke went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Tuesday and returned to Boston to have both knees examined. Foulke has a 6.23 ERA and four blown saves.

ASTROS: Right-hander Roy Oswalt won the Internet fan voting for the final NL All-Star spot. ... First-round pick Brian Bogusevic, a left-hander from Tulane, agreed to terms.

BLUE JAYS: Second baseman Orlando Hudson missed the game with tightness in his right hamstring.

BRAVES: Starters Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton reported no problems after pitching in simulated games. Hudson is on the disabled list with a strained left oblique, and Crystal River's Hampton is out with a strained left forearm. ... Outfielder Brian Jordan, who has a swollen left knee, will go on the 15-day disabled list today. Top outfield prospect Jeff Francouer will be called up from Double-A Mississippi to become the 10th rookie on the 25-man roster.

GIANTS: Left-hander Kirk Rueter, mired in a career-worst five-game losing streak and with a 7.28 ERA in his past nine starts, was sent to the bullpen for the duration of the homestand that ends Sunday.

MARLINS: Right-hander Josh Beckett will miss his scheduled start Sunday against the Cubs with a strained left oblique muscle.

ROYALS: All-Star first baseman Mike Sweeney left in the first after being hit by a pitch on the left forearm. X-rays were negative, and Sweeney is day to day.