McGrady trades kicks for cleats

SUGAR LAND, Texas (AP) — Former NBA star Tracy McGrady signed to pitch for the Sugar Land Skeeters in the independent Atlantic League.

The 6-foot-8 right-hander officially reported to spring camp last week and made his first scrimmage game appearance against Alvin Community College on April 16. In an inning of work, McGrady allowed one run on three hits with no walks and no strikeouts.

Johnson needs elbow surgery again

MILWAUKEE (AP) — San Diego Padres starter Josh Johnson is scheduled to have elbow ligament-replacement surgery for the second time and will miss the entire season.

The right-hander, signed in November to an $8 million, one-year contract, was placed on the disabled list before the season began. He strained his elbow during spring training and the Padres initially thought he would be out about one month.

Former big leaguer Marrero dies

HAVANA (AP) — Family members say Conrado Marrero, the oldest living former Major League Baseball player, died in Havana. He was just two days short of his 103rd birthday.

Grandson Rogelio Marrero confirmed the death Wednesday afternoon.

Marrero was a diminutive right-hander from Cuba who went by the nickname “Connie” when he pitched for the Washington Senators in the 1950s.

Phelps starts comeback with 100 fly

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Michael Phelps is making a comeback after nearly two years out of the pool.

Having shed the 30 pounds he piled on since retiring after the 2012 London Olympics, Phelps will resume his career starting Thursday at the Arena Grand Prix. He will swim the 100-meter butterfly, an event in which he holds the world record. He dropped his plans to compete in the 100 freestyle the same day.

Seahawks vs. Packers kicks off NFL season

NEW YORK (AP) — As Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks get to kick off the NFL’s regular season by hosting the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 4.

That Thursday game is the first of four prime-time games on opening weekend. Also at night will be a Sunday matchup of AFC champion Denver and Peyton Manning hosting his former team, Indianapolis; and a Monday night doubleheader with the New York Giants at Detroit, followed by San Diego at Arizona.

The NFL will play three games in London: Dolphins-Raiders on Sept. 28; Lions-Falcons on Oct. 26; and Cowboys-Jaguars on Nov. 9.

Bruins owner Jacobs making run at Bills

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The Jacobs family is involved in helping secure the Bills’ future in Buffalo, and hasn’t ruled out getting involved in buying the team.

Jeremy Jacobs Jr., the son of Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Sr., told The Buffalo News that the family has been engaged in discussions involving the franchise’s future, but said it was too early to say whether it will make an attempt to buy the team.

Cooke suspended 7 games for hit

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The NHL cracked down hard on Matt Cooke, suspending the Minnesota Wild left wing for seven games Wednesday for his knee-to-knee hit that injured Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie.