Rolen back on DL at his request

By wire services
Published July 23, 2005

ST. LOUIS - Cardinals third baseman Scott Rolen, who has complained of pain at the plate since returning from shoulder surgery in mid June, went on the 15-day disabled list Friday.

Manager Tony La Russa indicated it was Rolen's call.

"He just doesn't think he can be competitive," La Russa said. "It's not working, so we go to the next step, which is to shut him down and try to get him healthy."

Rolen was injured May 10 in a baserunning collision with Dodgers first baseman Hee-Seop Choi and missed 33 games after surgery. The six-time Gold Glove winner has been up to his standards in the field since returning but has struggled at the plate.

"The idea was I was going to progress along the way and just swinging the bat was going to help my shoulder, and the reality of it was I did not progress along the way," Rolen said. "It got worse. I've had swings in the last week that were just bad, painfully bad.

"It's time to not swing anymore."

Rolen was batting .207 with no homers and eight RBIs in 87 at-bats since his return, and his season numbers - .235 average, five homers and 28 RBIs - also are significantly down. Rolen had four consecutive 100-RBI seasons before this one.

ROGERS HEARING HELD: Rangers left-hander Kenny Rogers had his hearing before commissioner Bud Selig in Milwaukee, appealing his 20-game suspension for shoving two TV cameramen last month.

Rogers wouldn't comment on what was discussed when he emerged at 5:20 p.m.

Asked how it went, he responded: "We'll see. We'll be waiting for a decision."

He was accompanied by players union lawyers Bob Lenaghan and Mike Weiner.

"The hearing was completed," Weiner said. "There was no indication as to when he'll rule."

He said Rogers was the only witness, and the hearing included oral arguments and a discussion of precedent.

ROCKIES LOSE STARTER: Colorado right-hander Jason Jennings will miss the rest of the season with a fractured right middle finger, another injury for a last-place team already struggling to find reliable starters.

Jennings had made 124 starts without an injury since joining the team in late 2001, then was hurt Wednesday in Washington trying to break up a double play at second base.

For now, right-hander Jose Acevedo will take Jennings' rotation spot as long as he comes through today's throwing session without problems. He sprained an ankle this week but is expected to be cleared to pitch Monday.

DRUG SUSPENSION: Major League Baseball suspended Mets minor-league infielder Deivi Mendez for 30 games for violating the minor-league drug policy.

TIGERS ADD DEPTH: The Blue Jays traded infielder John McDonald to Detroit for a player to be named. McDonald has hit .290 with 12 RBIs in 37 games. The backup infielder has started 27 games this season, 25 at shortstop and two at second base. The Tigers also placed infielder Placido Polanco on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring. Polanco is batting .324 with a .402 on-base percentage since being acquired June 8 from the Phillies.

ORIOLES: Reliever Steve Kline began serving a four-game suspension after his appeal was rejected by Major League Baseball.

WHITE SOX: Slugger Frank Thomas went on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his left foot. First baseman Ross Gload, a former USF standout, was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte to fill the roster spot.

YANKEES: Right-hander Carl Pavano threw 45 pitches during a three-inning simulated game in Tampa in his second session against hitters since being sidelined with right shoulder tendinitis. Pavano hasn't pitched since June 27 at Baltimore, but the team is hopeful he will rejoin the rotation next week. ... Left-hander Randy Johnson said he felt fine a day after leaving his start after six innings with back discomfort.

[Last modified July 23, 2005, 01:02:13]