Mets closer Edwin Diaz suffers torn patellar tendon, needs surgery and is expected to miss the season  —  Up until Wednesday, the Mets had avoided the worst.  The pitching depth had taken a few hits over the last two weeks but the Mets were still in a position to be able to withstand the losses.

Heat veteran Kyle Lowry adjusting to new role coming off bench  —  MIAMI — Miami Heat point guard Kyle Lowry has been a steady presence in the starting lineup for nearly his entire career.  —  The veteran had started 677 consecutive games that he was active for, dating back to his rookie season with the Toronto Raptors.

A's starter Paul Blackburn, catcher Manny Piña to open season on IL  —  MESA, Ariz. — Oakland Athletics starter Paul Blackburn will begin the season on the injured list due to a torn fingernail on the middle finger of his pitching hand, manager Mark Kotsay said Friday.

Mike Gesicki leaves Dolphins in free agency, signs with rival Patriots  —  The expectation with tight end Mike Gesicki this offseason is now reality.  His time with the Miami Dolphins has come to an end.  —  Gesicki is departing in free agency to join the New England Patriots, he told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Friday morning.

Dolphins sign former Jets lineman for offensive line depth; re-sign Geron Christian  —  The wait is over for the Miami Dolphins to bring in an outside free agent for offensive line depth and competition.  —  They agreed to terms with former New York Jets lineman Dan Feeney on Thursday morning, according to a league source.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa enjoys a mostly smooth return to center field  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — The last time Isiah Kiner-Falefa played center field in a game that counted, he was still trying to break into the major leagues.  —  Back on June 17, 2017, “IKF” took to the middle of the outfield …

UCLA rides fast start to rout of UNC Asheville in NCAA tournament opener  —  SACRAMENTO — Questions about UCLA center Adem Bona's health were looming ahead of the Bruins' NCAA tournament opener.  Each time Coach Mick Cronin answered questions about Bona's left shoulder, his answer remained consistent …

Magic drop close road game to Suns despite Markelle Fultz's 25 points  —  The Orlando Magic cleaned up some of their defensive lapses Thursday against the Phoenix Suns after allowing 22 3-pointers in Tuesday's loss to the San Antonio Spurs.  —  But the improved defense from the Magic (28-42) …

Key additions on defense — but what's next for offensive line?  Brad Biggs' 6 thoughts off Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles' availability.  —  1. Like it or not, Ryan Poles will be linked to the 2023 draft's No. 1 pick for years to come.  —  If the Carolina Panthers select a quarterback …

Prospect Brandon Pfaadt sharp vs. Cubs as rotation battle heats up  —  Right-hander Brandon Pfaadt fired four impressive innings on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs in what was perhaps the best outing yet for any of the pitchers vying for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Giants to sign Sergio Romo and give him a chance to pitch — and say goodbye  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — No major-league pitcher has ascended the mound at the Giants' waterfront ballpark in more games than Sergio Romo.  He soaked up the cheers in so many of his 268 regular-season appearances …