Kenny Rogers, who began battling with management before the season and has had a tumultuous year off the field, doesn't expect to wear a Rangers uniform next season.
"I'm pretty certain this is my last start here," Rogers told The Dallas Morning News of his scheduled appearance Thursday, which he lost. "Actually, I'm extremely certain. I think everybody has made their positions known.
"In a way, I'm kind of relieved. I know I won't have to bend over backwards to make it happen. I think sometimes in the past, my desire to be here has been the overriding factor for me, and at least I know where I stand."
The year began poorly as the club angered Rogers by its offseason handling of his request for a contract extension.
In June, Rogers was involved in an altercation with two TV cameramen that resulted in a 20-game suspension, reduced to 13 by an arbitrator, and a $50,000 fine.
In between, he had a 31-inning scoreless streak in April and May. At 14-8 with a 3.46 ERA in 195 1/3 innings, he leads the team in wins and innings pitched.
The Rangers would like to talk to him about coming back, the Morning News reported, but will wait until the offseason.