Alex Rodriguez placed on 15-day DL  —  NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez did not play Saturday because of his left calf strain and is headed to the 15-day disabled list.  —  Rodriguez had been out of the starting lineup four of the past five games because of the injury.

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 …

Surprise!  Howard activated from DL  —  Well that was unexpected.  —  The Phillies have activated Ryan Howard from the 15-day disabled list Saturday — only out of necessity as Ross Gload was placed on the DL with a right groin strain.  —  Howard was scheduled to play a second rehab game Saturday night …

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.

Vincent: Selig wrong to let Reds honor Rose  —  Former Major League Baseball commissioner Fay Vincent ripped current commissioner Bud Selig for attempting to “please everyone” by allowing the Cincinnati Reds to honor Pete Rose on the 25th anniversary of Rose's setting the all-time hit record.

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.

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 …

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.