MLB Strasburg gets nod for opener
Stephen Strasburg will make his second Opening Day start for the Nationals when the NL East champions open the season at home against the Marlins on April 1. Strasburg went 15-6 with a 3.16 ERA last season before he was shut down after 159 1/3 innings.
Outfielder Carlos Gomez and the Brewers have agreed to a $28.3 million, four-year contract. The Tigers released outfielder Brennan Boesch, who batted .240 with 12 homers in 132 games last season.
SOCCER: Arsenal KO’d
Despite a 2-0 loss at home, Bayern Munich eliminated Arsenal from the Champions League to leave England without a team in the quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years. Bayern Munich advanced on the strength of a 3-1 victory in the first leg. In the second match yesterday, Malaga beat Porto 2-0 to reach the last eight 2-1 on aggregate.
NBA: Kobe injures ankle
Kobe Bryant is out indefinitely with a severe left ankle sprain suffered in theLakers’ 96-92 loss to the Hawks in Atlanta. Bryant, who had 31 points, left Philips Arena, walking with a limp but without the aid of crutches. …Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani is expected to miss the rest of the season with an elbow injury.
ETC.: Gulbis withdraws due to malaria
Natalie Gulbis withdrew from the LPGA Founders Cup in Phoenix this week because of malaria contracted during the tour’s Asian swing. Gulbis is being treated at home in Las Vegas and is expected to be at full strength in three weeks.
Ducks right wing Corey Perry was suspended for four games without pay by the NHL for a high, late check on Minnesota’s Jason Zucker Tuesday night.
Michael Cooper, the former Lakers star, has quit as Southern California women’s basketball coach after four seasons. The Trojans went 11-20 this season.