A-Rod out of Yankees lineup again with calf injury  —  NEW YORK—Alex Rodriguez was out of the New York Yankees' starting lineup with a lingering calf injury Saturday, and manager Joe Girardi believes his star third baseman could miss several games as the pennant race heats up.

Scutaro has pain in his throwing shoulder  —  On the day it was learned that Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia would be placed on the 15-day disabled list due to continuing pain in the navicular bone on his left foot — which was still healing after being fractured …

Not as Niese: Mets may put limit on lefty  —  Mets on Twitter  —  PITTSBURGH — Jon Niese could be facing his own version of the Joba Rules.  —  Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen told The Post yesterday that a discussion will be held this week about whether Niese's innings should be limited …

ESPN's Jay Mariotti arrested by L.A. police [Updated]  —  ESPN personality and sports columnist Jay Mariotti was arrested overnight by Los Angeles police officers in the Pacific division.  —  He was booked on suspicion of a felony, but officials would not provide further details.

'Kiner's Korner' Returns, Dusted Off and in Digital  —  “Kiner's Korner” is getting a new life online, providing Mets fans with a chance to see Ralph Kiner in his television heyday as the host of Channel 9's postgame (and rain delay) show from a cramped studio in Shea Stadium.

Pirates clinch 18th losing season, earliest yet  —  Extend pro sports record with 7-2 loss to Mets, on pace to lose 109  —  It happened at 9:59 p.m. Friday when Ronny Cedeno swung through a high fastball, but really, everyone could see it coming since mid-April.  —  Maybe even mid-March, given the spring follies in Florida.

Games of the Day  —  The Nationals try to play spoiler as they send Stephen Strasburg against the Phillies and Kyle Kendrick.  Strasburg faces the Phillies for the first time.  The Nationals limited him to 85 pitches in his two starts since coming back from a stiff shoulder.

New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel doesn't expect Jason Bay back this year  —  PITTSBURGH — Four weeks after Jason Bay suffered a concussion crashing into the left-field wall at Dodger Stadium, New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel indicated he did not expect Bay to return this season.

Contenders may be eyeing Marlins' Ross  —  Fox Sports  —  Marlins outfielder Cody Ross, despite batting only .189 since July 1, is the center of some classic August intrigue.  —  A National League club has claimed Ross on waivers, but the Marlins are not sure whether that club actually wants Ross …

With Nelson Cruz sidelined, Brad Hawpe draws Rangers' interest  —  BALTIMORE — Fort Worth native Brad Hawpe has drawn the interest of the Texas Rangers, who are without one former All-Star in right field until the end of the month and could turn to another to fill a hole.

Gomez expected back Saturday for Crew  —  MILWAUKEE — Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez is expected back at Miller Park on Saturday, manager Ken Macha said, but the skipper offered no clues about what the club planned to do with Gomez once he returns.  Gomez has been on the 15-day disabled list …