Alex Rodriguez unlikely to return to Yankees, sources say, as third baseman is dealing with new drug scandal and lengthy hip surgery rehab  —  Even before the latest steroid allegations surfaced, Yankee officials had already privately begun preparing for the likelihood that Rodriguez …

Kalish expected to miss at least six months  —  Here are a few items of interest:  —  • Was told earlier today that the recovery time for Ryan Kalish after his shoulder surgery is six months.  So he might not be ready to start baseball-type activities until August.

Padres, Headley agree to $8.575M deal for '13  —  SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres avoided arbitration with third baseman Chase Headley on Wednesday, agreeing to a one-year, $8.575 million deal with the 2012 Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner.  —  Headley, who finished fifth …

Inbox: Are the Rangers overlooking Gentry?  —  Beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers fans' questions  —  Please explain to me why Leonys Martin gets most of the talk about the center-field position.  Craig Gentry, in my opinion, has done nothing but prove himself over and over again.

Brewers sign RHP Alfredo Figaro to minor-league deal  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  As it turns out, right-hander Alfredo Figaro will be in the Brewers' spring camp after all.  —  The Brewers thought they had a minor-league deal with Figaro, 28, back in December …

Reds avoid arbitration with Heisey, Simon  —  Outfielder, reliever ink one-year deals; four remain as arbitration-eligible  —  CINCINNATI — The Reds and outfielder Chris Heisey avoided arbitration on Thursday, when he was signed to a one-year, $1.325 million contract.

Beachy on track despite ‘trying’ rehab work  —  ATLANTA — Right-hander Brandon Beachy has met with Braves physical therapist Lloyd Van Pamelen a little earlier in the day than normal over the past two weeks.  His motive has been to complete his therapy work in Gwinnett County, Ga. …

Mets To Sign LaTroy Hawkins  —  The Mets have signed LaTroy Hawkins to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale (on Twitter).  —  The 40-year-old Hawkins was effective in 42 innings for the Angels last season, pitching to a 3.64 ERA, 4.9 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9.