Rodriguez

SEATTLE -- Texas Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez, just one homer shy of the American League lead, says he won't play in the Home Run Derby during Monday's All-Star Game workout at Safeco Field.

Rodriguez will start at shortstop in the All-Star game Tuesday at Safeco Field. He played six seasons in Seattle before signing a record $252 million contract with the Rangers in the offseason.

"I'll take (the Home Run Derby) off, play the game Tuesday night and enjoy that," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez has 24 homers, one shy of Boston's Manny Ramirez, the league leader. He has already tied Kevin Elster (1996) for the most in a season by a Texas shortstop.