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MLB braces for lockout with CBA expiring

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

IRVING, Texas (AP) The clock ticked down Wednesday toward the expiration of Major League Baseball's collective bargaining agreement at 11:59 p.m. EST and a likely management lockout ending the sport's labor peace at 9,740 days over 26 1/2 years.

After successfully reaching four consecutive agreements without a stoppage, players and owners have appeared headed for a confrontation for more than two years.

"The lockout seemes like a very likely scenario," pitcher Max Scherzer, a member of the union's executive committee, said Wednesday after finalizing his contract with the New York Mets.

WTA out of China due to Peng concerns

The head of the women's professional tennis tour announced Wednesday that all WTA tournaments would be suspended in China because of concerns about the safety of Peng Shuai, a Grand Slam doubles champion who accused a former high-ranking government official in that country of sexual assault.

Peng dropped out of public view after raising the allegations about former vice premier Zhang Gaoli in a Nov. 2 social media posting that was quickly taken down by Chinese authorities. (MORE)

Murray, Hopkins back at Cards' practice

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Quarterback Kyler Murray and All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins were both at practice for the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday in a sign the team's top two playmakers might be ready to return after a three-game absence.

Even defensive end J.J. Watt was seen on the practice field, doing conditioning work off to the side despite a shoulder injury that could keep him out for the rest of the season. (MORE)

With Jones iffy, Giants sign QB Fromm
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The New York Giants gave an indication of their concern about starting quarterback Daniel Jones by signing quarterback Jake Fromm off the Buffalo Bills' practice squad. The Giants announced the move early Wednesday before practice. (MORE)

Texans scrap practice, no positive tests
HOUSTON (AP) The Houston Texans canceled practice and all other in-person activities Wednesday on the advice of their medical team because some players weren't feeling well. Coach David Culley said they have not had any positive COVID-19 tests. Culley, speaking to reporters via Zoom, said that the team would resume normal operations Thursday. (MORE)

Bucks eye 8th straight win, host Hornets
The Milwaukee Bucks look to push their win streak to eight games Wednesday night as they host the Charlotte Hornets. The Bucks have not lost since Nov. 14 and also have won their last five games at home dating to Nov. 5. They are averaging 113.9 points during the streak and have shot over 45 percent from the field in six of seven games. (MORE)

Former Cy Young winner Hoyt dies at 66
CHICAGO (AP) LaMarr Hoyt, who won the 1983 AL Cy Young Award with the Chicago White Sox, has died. He was 66. The White Sox announced his death on Wednesday. The team said he died Monday in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, following a lengthy illness. (MORE)

Booker injured but Suns win 17th in row
PHOENIX (AP) Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton were all smiles at the postgame podium, reminiscing about a four-year turnaround for the Phoenix Suns that's in some ways still hard to believe. The Suns won just 19 games during their rookie seasons. Now, they've tied a franchise record with 17 wins - in a row. (MORE)

Michigan up to No. 2 in CFP rankings
DALLAS (AP) Michigan moved up to No. 2 Tuesday night in the second-to-last College Football Playoff rankings, joining Georgia, Alabama and Cincinnati in the top four heading into conference championship weekend. Oklahoma State is fifth going into the Big 12 championship game Saturday against No. 9 Baylor, and Notre Dame is sixth with no games left and no head coach. (MORE)

Ohio St. ices out No. 1 Duke late in win
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Ohio State's resiliency was too much for top-ranked Duke to handle. Zed Key scored a career-high 20 points and Ohio State held No. 1 Duke scoreless for the final 4 1/2 minutes, completing a rally from a 15-point second-half deficit to beat the Blue Devils 71-66 on Tuesday night. (MORE)