New York ? Texas pitcher Kenny Rogers was suspended for 20 games and fined $50,000 by Major League Baseball on Friday for an outburst that sent a television cameraman to the hospital and prompted a police investigation.

The players’ union filed an appeal on behalf of Rogers.

“Mr. Rogers’ behavior was unprofessional, unwarranted and completely unacceptable,” commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement. “Major League Baseball is a social institution, and all of us in the game have an important responsibility to act with reason and good judgment.”

Rogers shoved two cameramen before Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels in a tirade that included throwing a camera to the ground, kicking it and threatening to break more. The incident was captured on videotape and led to KDFW cameraman Larry Rodriguez being treated at a hospital.

“While I recognize the relationship between players and members of the media may sometimes be difficult, there is no circumstance in which a player may settle a difference of opinion or a dispute through physical means,” Selig said. “Media coverage is important to the game, and we in baseball are obligated to treat members of the media with respect and civility.”

Rodriguez filed an assault report, and Arlington Police spokeswoman Christy Gilfour said the case was being investigated as a misdemeanor assault. Rogers hadn’t been interviewed by investigators, and no charges had been filed Thursday.

Rogers was in Seattle with the Rangers for a weekend series. He was scheduled to pitch Sunday.

In a statement Friday before the ruling, Rogers’ attorneys said: “Kenny Rogers would like to make a statement. However, in light of the ongoing investigation, it is not advisable for Kenny to comment directly and publicly at this time.

“On Kenny’s behalf, though, we would like to express to Mr. Rodriguez, Ranger fans, all baseball fans and his teammates that Kenny is truly sorry for the incident that occurred and regrets that it happened.”

Garciaparra eyes return

Chicago – Cubs shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, on the disabled list since April 20 because of a torn groin muscle, fielded ground balls at Wrigley Field on Friday and later talked about the possibility of returning to the lineup this season.

“I guess the best way to describe it is there are different hurdles I have to keep going over,” Garciaparra said. “How long those hurdles are going to be, I don’t know. I’m able to take ground balls. I’ve been swinging the bat.”

Phillies shelve Thome

Philadelphia – The Phillies placed first baseman Jim Thome on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of tendinitis in his right elbow. It’s Thome’s second stint on the DL this season. He was placed on the DL in May because of a lower back strain and missed 19 games.

Thome has struggled this season, hitting .207 with seven home runs and 30 RBIs. He has only 14 extra-base hits in 193 at-bats.

The Phillies recalled first baseman Ryan Howard from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Derby format changed

New York – Major-league baseball is going international for its Home Run Derby on All-Star weekend. Instead of having four players from each league, the commissioner’s office said Friday it would have eight players represent their native countries at the July 11 event.