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.

Leyland: Magglio return this year “might be unlikely”  —  Just returned from the Tigers clubhouse, where it sounds like the Tigers are at least bracing themselves for the possibility that Magglio Ordonez will not be back this season.  —  “I think this year is pretty much lost for him, unfortunately,” manager Jim Leyland said.

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.

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.

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.

Wagner says he's no Favre — he's retiring.  Period.  —  CHICAGO — When Billy Wagner recorded his 30th save of the season on Friday, he also recorded his league-high 50th game finished, which vested a $6.5 million option on his contract for the 2011 season.  —  Doesn't matter.

'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.

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.