USGA shortens playoff for Open

The U.S. Open is changing to a two-hole aggregate playoff, the last of the four majors to do away with an 18-hole playoff.

The change is takes effect immediately and would be used at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island in June if there is a tie after 72 holes. The U.S. Golf Association also decided to make its other three open championships — the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Senior Women’s Open — two-hole playoffs

The U.S Open has had 33 playoffs in its 117 years, all decided by 18 holes or more.

The last U.S. Open playoff was 10 years ago at Torrey Pines, where Tiger Woods beat Rocco Mediate in 19 holes for his 14th major.

Baseball

REVERE SIGNS WITH REDS >> Ben Revere and the Cincinnati Reds finalized a minor league contract after the outfielder passed a physical.

Revere hit .275 with one homer and 20 RBIs in 109 games last year for the Los Angeles Angels, appearing in left field for 78 games. BLUE JAYS SIGN OH >> Free agent reliever Seung-Hwan Oh and the Toronto Blue Jays have finalized a oneyear contract for $1.75 million that includes a $2.5 million team option for 2019.

NFL

PANTHERS CUT VETERANS >> The Carolina Panthers released safety Kurt Coleman and defensive end Charles Johnson in a move that saves the team nearly $6 million in salary cap space. BEARS RELEASE LB, SAFETY >> The Chicago Bears have released linebacker Pernell McPhee and safety Quintin Demps.

The oft-injured McPhee had 90 tackles and 14 sacks in three season for Chicago. A broken arm limited Demps to three games.

Soccer

CONCACAF EXPANDING TO 16 NATIONS >> The CONCACAF Gold Cup will expand from 12 nations to 16 for the next edition in 2019.

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football also said it will explore holding the 2019 tournament outside of the United States, possibly with some games in Central America and the Caribbean. SOUNDER OUT FOR YEAR >> Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris will miss the 2018 MLS season because of a torn knee ligament.

Basketball

The U.S. remained unbeaten with a spot secured in the second round of qualifying for the 2019 Basketball World Cup, beating Puerto Rico 83-75 in Santa Cruz.

The U.S., using a roster of G League players, got big shots down the stretch from Rodney Purvis and Aaron Harrison after blowing almost all of a 22-point lead and improved to 4-0. They have two games left in the first round but are guaranteed to finish among the top three in Group C and reach the second round.

The second round begins in September. The 2019 World Cup in China will qualify seven teams for the 2020 Olympics.