Mickelson strong in return
Phil Mickelson shot a scrambling 4-under 68 on Thursday in the CareerBuilder Challenge in La Quinta, Calif., leaving him four strokes back in his return from two sports hernia surgeries. Mickelson, 46, had surgery Oct. 19 and again Dec. 12. He opened the three-course event at La Quinta Country Club. Tour rookie Dominic Bozzelli shot a 64 on the Stadium Course at PGA West to top the leader board. Jerry Kelly of Madison opened with a 71 while Menomonee Falls native Mark Wilson shot a 72.
GOLF
Henrik Stenson chipped in from 30 yards and had seven more birdies Thursday to open the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship with an 8-under 64 in his first competitive round of 2017.
BASEBALL
The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a $37.5 million, three-year contract to keep major-league home run champion Mark Trumbo, a person familiar with the negotiations said. The agreement is contingent on Trumbo passing a physical. Trumbo, 31, hit 47 home runs last year and became a free agent.
Fiers contract: Ex-Brewers right-hander Mike Fiers, 31, and the Houston Astros avoided salary arbitration, agreeing to a $3.45 million, one-year pact.
Trade: The Miami Marlins obtained 14-game winner Dan Straily, 28, from the Cincinnati Reds for three minor-leaguers, including right-handers Luis
Castillo and Austin Brice, both highly regarded prospects in the Marlins’ thin system.
Done deal: The Philadelphia Phillies and outfielder Michael Saunders have finalized a $9 million, one-year contract. Saunders, 30, will earn $8 million this season, and the Phillies have a 2018 option worth $10.5 million with a $1 million buyout.
Rangers add Ross: Right-hander Tyson Ross, 29, and the Texas Rangers have completed a $6 million, one-year contract after the pitcher who made only one start last season passed a physical. The deal includes another $3 million in incentives.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Melo Trimble scored 20 points and 25th-ranked Maryland rallied after blowing a 15-point lead to outlast Iowa, 84-76, for its fourth straight victory.