Posted at 3:42 p.m., Saturday, July 7, 2007
MLB: Yankees' Rodriguez plans to play in All-Star game
Associated Press
NEW YORK — 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 today.
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.
Rodriguez was hurt Monday night when he tripped over the ankle of Minnesota first baseman Justin Morneau while hustling to beat a potential double play. He missed his first game of the season Thursday, but an MRI exam came back normal.
The slugger returned to the starting lineup on Friday night, and went 0-for-4 with a walk Saturday. He began the day leading the majors with 29 home runs and 82 RBIs.
