SPORTS SHORTS

MLB: Cease traded to Padres

The Padres acquired right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease from the White Sox in a trade on Wednesday for reliever Steven Wilson and three prospects: right-handers Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte, and outfielder Samuel Zavala.

• Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito is expected to miss this season after his right ulnar collateral ligament was repaired with an internal brace during surgery on Tuesday.

NFL: Raiders release Garoppolo

The Raiders kicked off the start of the new league year by releasing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, backup quarterback Brian Hoyer and receiver Hunter Renfrow to give the new regime more room to operate under the salary cap.

• The Chiefs have restructured quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract, a person familiar with the decision told the Associated Press.

• The Colts signed veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to a one-year deal according to ESPN. It is worth up to $8.7 million.

• Six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner has agreed to join the Commanders according to two people familiar with the deal on a one-year contract worth up to $8.5 million with $6 million in guaranteed money.

• Veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks will sign with the Cowboys after initially choosing to join the 49ers according to The AP.

• The Dolphins released four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard, 30, after he spent eight seasons with the team.

ETC.: Nuggets win in Finals rematch

Michael Porter Jr. scored 25 points, Aaron Gordon added 16 and the reigning NBA champion Nuggets took sole possession of first place in the Western Conference standings with a 100-88 win over the sliding Heat in a Finals rematch held in Miami.

• In Sacramento, Calif., Harrison Barnes had 23 points, Domantas Sabonis had a tripledouble with 17 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in the Kings’ 120-107 win over the Lakers.

SOCCER: Messi departs with injury

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi checked out of a 3-1 win over Nashville in Fort Lauderdale just a few minutes into the second half with discomfort in his right hamstring area, according to coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino.

Messi had an goal and an assist as Miami advanced to the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals with the win and 5-3 advantage on aggregate.