You Gotta Know When to Fold 'Em

Two weeks after firing his agent, Scott Boras, Kenny Rogers has agreed to an $8 million deal that will keep his veteran presence in the Detroit Tigers rotation for one more year.

The 43-year-old lefty went 3-4 with a 4.43 ERA in 11 starts last year before surgery to remove a blood clot from his left shoulder shortened his season. He landed back on the DL later in the year with elbow inflammation, but feels he is more than ready to bring his A game to the hill in 2008.

Over 19 big league seasons, the Gambler is 210-143 with a 4.19 ERA with four trips to the Midsummer Classic and five Gold Gloves.

[ESPN]

You Gotta Know When To Hold 'Em

Kenny Rogers will make his season debut this Friday when the Detroit Tigers begin a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves.

The 42-year-old lefty has been on the disabled list since having surgery March 30th to remove a blood clot from his left shoulder and repair some arteries. His rehab schedule had him rejoining the Tigers in July, but Rogers has worked to make it back before the Mid-Summer Classic.

The Gambler made two minor league rehab starts in which he threw three-plus innings of shutout ball for the AAA Toledo Mud Hens on June 10th, and gave up three runs - one earned - in five innings for the Class-A West Michigan Whitecaps last Friday.

Rogers went 17-8 with a 3.48 ERA last season, winning all three of his postseason starts without allowing a run in 23 innings for the AL Champs.

Without left-hander Nate Robertson, who landed on the DL on June 6th with a "tired arm," the Tigers are anticipating Rogers' return.

Four other Detroit pitchers are also on the disabled list, including right-handers Zach Miner, Roman Colon and Joel Zumaya, along with lefty Edwin Campusano.

[Detroit News]

You Gotta Know When To Hold 'Em

The Gambler, who has been out all season with a blood clot in his left shoulder, may be back as soon as June 20th.

This means Detroit Tigers fans can say goodbye to either Mike Maroth or Chad Durbin, who will be traded or moved to the bullpen once Rogers rejoins the rotation.

[Bless You Boys]

Kenny Rogers Out Indefinitely

Kenny Rogers' arm is a little more than tired.

The Detroit Tigers hurler had surgery Friday to remove a blood clot in his left shoulder which will sideline him indefinitely. The operation came just a day after the 42-year-old lefty was placed on the DL with what he described as "a tired arm."

Obviously, the injury was a bit more severe, since the 18-year veteran had to have two arteries in his shoulder repaired in addition to the clot being removed.

Rogers will not resume throwing for at least six weeks and possibly will not return until July.

He enjoyed a pretty outstanding season for the AL Champion Tigers last year, going 17-8 with a 3.84 ERA while starting for the junior circuit in the All-Star Game. He saved his best for the post-season, however, winning all three of his starts and not allowing a run over 23 innings.

[Detroit Free Press]

The Gambler is Down on His Luck

Detroit Tigers lefty Kenny Rogers will miss at least one regular-season start after being placed on the 15-day disabled list. Because his arm is tired.

Rogers has been seeing a specialist, but club officials would not speculate on how long he will be out. Dave Drombrowski, Tigers president and CEO, did say that Rogers will miss at least one start, however.

Right-hander Chad Durbin will take Rogers' spot in the rotation, and lefty Bobby Seay will take his roster spot.

The 42-year-old Rogers finished 17-8 with a 3.84 ERA in 34 outings during his first season with the Tigers in 2006. He won all three of his starts during the playoffs and didn't allow a run over 23 innings. He is a career 207-139 with a 4.19 ERA.

[SI.com]