Union chief defends All-Stars who will skip game  —  PHOENIX — Despite the withdrawal of 15 players from the All-Star rosters in recent days, union chief Michael Weiner told ESPN.com Sunday that this year's mass all-star exodus is more about “circumstance” than an indication that players don't care about the All Star Game.

Josh Beckett OK to pitch for AL team  —  BOSTON — After throwing a side session Sunday morning at Fenway Park, Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett has been deemed healthy and given medical clearance to pitch for the American League All-Star team Tuesday in Phoenix.

Alex Rodriguez to have knee surgery  —  NEW YORK — New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has elected to undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair a slight meniscus tear in his right knee, a team spokesman confirmed Sunday.  —  He is expected to miss four to six weeks.

New York Mets mull what to do with Carlos Beltran; K-Rod declines comment on Scott Boras report  —  Carlos Beltran is an important part of the Mets offense, but it also makes sense to move him before Beltran becomes a free agent.  Fans wonder how the Mets will proceed.

Cole Hamels and Raul Ibanez lift Phillies over Braves  —  PHILADELPHIA - Raul Ibanez homered and drove in six runs to back eight strong innings by Cole Hamels in the Philadelphia Phillies' 14-1 rout of the Atlanta Braves on Sunday.  —  Hamels (11-4) allowed three hits while striking out six and walking two.

Stay connected to Derby through social media  —  Players will interact with fans from the field during event  —  PHOENIX — The State Farm Home Run Derby continues to move in a new direction for 2011, following up a host of changes with the announcement that Major League Baseball players …

Ethier's Two HRs Help Dodgers Beat Padres 4-1  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Andre Ethier homered twice before heading off to his second straight All-Star game, Ted Lilly won for the first time in a month after losing his previous four starts and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat San Diego 4-1 on Sunday …

Pregame notes: Waiting for a decision on A-Rod  —  Alex Rodriguez is in Florida getting a second opinion on his right knee.  Joe Girardi said the Yankees expect to know something by the end of the day, but he's not sure when that will be.  It might not be immediately after the game, but later this evening.

Brewers rally for 4-3 win over Reds  —  MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers pounced on Cincinnati Reds closer Francisco Cordero, rallying from a run down in the ninth for a 4-3 victory Sunday.  —  Pinch hitter Mark Kotsay tied the game with an RBI single, scoring Nyjer Morgan.

Verlander picks up 12th win as Tigers beat Royals  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Justin Verlander became the first Tigers pitcher to earn his 12th win before the all-star break in 24 years as Detroit climbed past Cleveland into first place in the AL Central on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Twins head into all-star break with win over White Sox  —  CHICAGO — Anthony Swarzak dominated over six innings, and the Minnesota Twins got back to beating the Chicago White Sox with a 6-3 victory on Sunday.  —  The Twins head into the all-star break with nine wins in 12 games after taking three of four in this series.

Wright advancing quickly in rehab work  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Terry Collins brought an uncharacteristic amount of good news with him to his usual pregame meeting with the media, specifically regarding the progress of David Wright.  —  Wright, working at the club's Spring Training facility in Port St. Lucie …

Next generation of stars set for Futures Game  —  A look at who to watch in Sunday's parade of prospects  —  PHOENIX — The XM All-Star Futures Game allows fans to see the game's best prospects all on one field.  Sunday will afford another glimpse at the game's future stars …

Popper: Mets must remain focused on future plans  —  It was surely a relief to Mets fans who have watched the Jose Reyes saga when Sandy Alderson announced quietly Thursday, “I think it's very unlikely Jose will be traded this season, and that's without regard to his injury.”

Getting a jump on Derek Jeter  —  Three-thousand hits is a lot of hits by any standard.  I feel pretty good about my 1,100 and by the time it is all said and done, Derek Jeter will have three times that number.  At least ...  I didn't play against him as much as I did some of the stars …