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Yankees' Rodriguez to play in All-Star Game
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More from MLBAlex 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.
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 leads the majors with 29 home runs and 82 RBIs.
Webb to replace Fuentes on NL All-Star roster: Reigning Cy Young winner Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks will replace injured Colorado reliever Brian Fuentes on the NL roster for the All-Star Game.
Webb is 8-6 with a 3.37 ERA and is third in the league with 112 strikeouts.
The left-handed Fuentes is 0-4 with a 4.06 ERA and 20 saves. His injury is expected to sideline him until after the All-Star break.
Fuentes recently lost his job as the Rockies closer after blowing four straight save chances. He said he still plans to make the trip to San Francisco to take part in the festivities.
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