Professional Sports

Byron to use backup for his Daytona 500 three-peat bid

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — William Byron will try to drive his way into NASCAR history Sunday when he attempts to become the first winner of three consecutive Daytona 500s. He'll have to do it in a backup Chevrolet after his preferred No. 24 was damaged in a qualifying race at Daytona ...

Chris Paul retires, ending a 21-season NBA run, as All-Star weekend begins

Chris Paul, the "Point God" who was a 12-time All-Star selection and two-time Olympic gold medalist, announced his retirement on Friday in the capper of a 21-season career that will surely merit induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Paul made the announcement on the first day of the ...

Royals acquire RHP Mitch Spence from the Athletics for RHP A.J. Causey

SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Kansas City Royals acquired right-hander Mitch Spence from the Athletics for right-hander A.J. Causey on Thursday. Kansas City put right-hander Alec Marsh on the 60-day injured list to make room for Spence on the 40-man roster. The Athletics picked Spence first ...

New York Mets sign outfielder MJ Melendez to a 1-year contract

NEW YORK — MJ Melendez and the New York Mets agreed Thursday to a one-year contract, adding depth to an outfield thinned by offseason trades. He gets a $1.5 million salary while in the major leagues and $425,000 while in the minors. The 27-year-old Melendez, once a touted prospect with ...