National Sports

Rangers option RHP Burns for Wolf's spot start

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- The Texas Rangers have optioned right-handed reliever Cory Burns to Triple-A Round Rock to make room for Ross Wolf for a spot start Wednesday against Oakland.

Bears LB Urlacher announces retirement

CHICAGO (AP) -- Star linebacker Brian Urlacher says he's retiring after spending 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears.

Twins' Plouffe has concussion, on 7-day DL

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Minnesota Twins have placed third baseman Trevor Plouffe on the seven-day disabled list with a concussion after he was struck in the head by Dan Uggla's shin while breaking up an attempted double play.

Ex-US captain Reyna to direct NYC soccer team

NEW YORK (AP) -- Former U.S. national team captain Claudio Reyna has been hired as director of soccer for the New York City FC of MLS.

Del Potro, Baker, Fish pull out of French Open

PARIS (AP) -- Seventh-ranked Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina has pulled out of the upcoming French Open because of a respiratory virus.

Ernie Els: Can 'play ball' without long putter

VIRGINIA WATER, England (AP) -- Ernie Els is ready to "play ball" even without a long putter.

Richard Carrion declares IOC presidential bid

LONDON (AP) -- Richard Carrion of Puerto Rico has become the third member to enter the IOC presidential race, promising to use his business experience to guide the Olympic movement through the world's troubled financial times.

Mardy Fish, Brian Baker pull out of French Open

PARIS (AP) -- American players Brian Baker and Mardy Fish have pulled out of the upcoming French Open.

AP Interview: Rogge cites need for targeted tests

LONDON (AP) -- IOC President Jacques Rogge says Olympic officials have agreed that more targeted, out-of-competition testing is needed in the fight against doping.

Sochi organizers pledge highest level of security

MOSCOW (AP) -- Sochi Olympic organizers say authorities will ensure security at the "highest possible level."

UConn ends Wolf's suspension, returns as walk-on

STORRS, Conn. (AP) -- Connecticut center Enosch Wolf has been reinstated to the team following a decision last month by prosecutors to drop charges in a domestic violence case.

Murofushi loses appeal at CAS in IOC election case

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) -- Former Olympic champion Koji Murofushi has lost his appeal against disqualification from an election to become an IOC member representing athletes.

Trout hits for cycle, drives in 5, Angels rout M's

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Mike Trout hit for the cycle and drove in five runs, Josh Hamilton celebrated his 32nd birthday with a homer and a triple, and Howie Kendrick also went deep in the Los Angeles Angels' 12-0 rout of the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.

Descalso's slam, Wainwright's arm carry Cards

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Daniel Descalso hit his first career grand slam and had a career-high five RBIs, and Adam Wainwright won for the first time at Petco Park as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Diego Padres 10-2 Tuesday night.