Andrew Bailey to undergo surgery … BOSTON — Recognizing that it was unavoidable, Boston Red Sox reliever Andrew Bailey will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery Wednesday in New York, manager John Farrell announced Sunday.  —  The procedure will be performed by Dr. David Altchek …

Stats 101: Why it's time to re-educate players in meaningful statistics  —  For years, the team-by-team stats in USA Today were the gospel for how players understood their values. … On a recent flight out of LAX, I searched for a copy of the LA Times near my gate.

(USATSI)  —  Alex Rodriguez, who once appeared on his way to breaking baseball's all-time home run record, is all but assured of a Biogenesis-related MLB ban being levied against him — quite possibly more than the usual 50 games for first-time offenders — people familiar with the case say.

Mariners Do That Which Has Never Been Done Before  —  Early on, every team and every game in baseball is interesting.  For the first few weeks of the season, things feel so fresh, and things are so unpredictable, that you're thirsty for any kind of action.  As things progress, teams fall off the radar of interest.

Jays look to end slide, begin series against Dodgers  —  The Sports Network  —  (Sports Network) - Fresh off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays, the Toronto Blue Jays continue their homestand with a three-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

A-Rod has Grade 1 quad strain  —  An MRI on Sunday night revealed that Alex Rodriguez has a Grade 1 strain of his left quadriceps.  —  The New York Yankees said Rodriguez would not join the team for its series against the Rangers beginning Monday.  Instead, he is scheduled to return to Tampa, Fla., for rest and treatment.

SEE IT: Skydiver crashes into baseball player  —  Mattingly Romanin, a shortstop for the Hannibal (Missouri) Cavemen of the summer Prospect League, was leveled by a skydiver who misjudged his landing on the field and took out the unsuspecting player in the process.

Ludwick set to begin rehab assignment  —  CINCINNATI — Reds left fielder Ryan Ludwick will begin a Minor League rehab assignment with Class A Dayton on Wednesday.  —  Ludwick has been on the disabled list since separating his shoulder with a headfirst slide against the Angels on Opening Day.

Mets missed on Michael Bourn but landed Marlon Byrd instead  —  As the season approached, only two teams had shown any interest in taking a shot on Marlon Byrd: the New York Mets and the Cleveland Indians.  —  Then, according to people familiar with the process, the Indians shifted …

Sveum: 100 percent chance Garza starts Monday … DENVER — Matt Garza has a 100 percent change of starting on Monday in Arizona, according to Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum.  —  “He's pitching,” Sveum said.  “Nothing has changed.  Like I said, rumors and everything (are meaningless) until something happens. ...

Monday Morning Ten Pack  —  A popular name in recent trade rumors, Sardinas is an attractive target for most teams because of his pure defensive qualities at a premium position.  The tools are even louder than fellow J2 classmate Jurickson Profar, as Sardinas has superior speed, similar hit tool potential, and a superior glove.

Nats players defend hitting coach Eckstein  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals hitting coach Rick Eckstein has been the center of attention lately because the team's offense is one of the worst in the Major Leagues.  —  But talk to center fielder Denard Span and third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, and Eckstein is not the one in the batter's box.