ATLANTA (AP) β The Atlanta Braves have acquired another starting outfielder by agreeing with Nick Markakis (mahr-KAY’-kihs) on a four-year deal worth a reported $44 million. Markakis hit .290 with 141 homers and 658 RBIs in nine seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. He’s expected to replace outfielder Jason Heyward, who was traded to St. Louis last month.
SEATTLE (AP) β The Seattle Mariners have traded outfielder Michael Saunders to the Toronto Blue Jays for veteran lefty J.A. Happ. Saunders appeared in 78 games and hit .273 with eight homers and 34 RBIs for Seattle this year, while Happ was 11-11 with a 4.22 ERA. Saunders’ arrival likely takes the Blue Jays out of the running for re-signing outfielder Melky Cabrera.
BEREA, Ohio (AP) β Brian Hoyer will be under center when the Cleveland Browns begin Sunday’s game against Indianapolis. Browns coach Mike Pettine (PEHT’-ihn) chose him over Johnny Manziel (man-ZEHL’), saying Hoyer would be a better choice to lead the Browns down the stretch. Hoyer has played poorly for a month, but the 7-5 Browns are sticking with him as they try to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) β A two-day hearing that could determine quarterback Jameis (JAY’-mihs) Winston’s future at Florida State has ended with no decision and no definitive timetable on when the case will be resolved. The hearing was held by the university about two years after a female student said Winston sexually assaulted her in December 2012. It was held to determine whether Winston violated any or all of four sections of the code of conduct two for sexual misconduct and two for endangerment.
NEW YORK (AP) β Two people familiar with the case tell The Associated Press that Adrian Peterson won’t attend the conclusion of his suspension appeal hearing today. Peterson also skipped a disciplinary hearing at the league office last month before Commissioner Roger Goodell (guh-DEHL’) suspended him for the rest of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The 2012 NFL MVP hasn’t played for the Minnesota Vikings since Week 1 after he was charged with child abuse in Texas.
