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.

Despite Criticism by an Owner, Positive Feelings  —  SAN FRANCISCO — In the wake of public criticisms from Fred Wilpon, the Mets' principal owner, in a May edition of The New Yorker, the team held a meeting in the cramped visitors' clubhouse at Wrigley Field.

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.

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 …

Jered Weaver to start for AL  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jered Weaver was informed Sunday morning that he will be starting Tuesday's All-Star Game for the American League.  —  He'll be the first Angel to start the game since Mark Langston in 1993.

McCarver returns to All-Star booth  —  Fox Sports lead baseball analyst Tim McCarver will broadcast his 20th All-Star Game on Tuesday night in Phoenix, the most in history.  —  He has worked with nearly every big name in the business.  He once broadcast World Series games with Jack Buck on CBS …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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.