UNDATED (AP) β Tiger Woods has confirmed that he will compete in the Masters next week, his first rounds of competitive golf since early February. The four-time Masters champion played two practice rounds at Augusta National this week before announcing on his website that he would end his two-month leave. Woods has played in two tournaments this year and completed just 47 holes.
HOUSTON (AP) β Phil Mickelson completed his second consecutive solid round at the PGA’s Houston Open. Mickelson followed Thursday’s 66 with a 5-under 67 that leaves him one shot behind leader Andrew Putnam. Austin Cook fired a 65 that ties him with Lefty, one stroke ahead of Graham Dealt (edh-LAY’) and Luke Guthrie.
NEW YORK (AP) β An arbitrator has ruled that Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton should not be disciplined by Major League Baseball for his latest problems involving cocaine and alcohol. Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto and MLB said they disagree with the ruling. A person familiar with the case said Hamilton self-reported his latest relapse this year.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) β Minnesota Twins pitcher Ervin Santana has been suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance Stanozolol. Santana said through the players’ union that he was surprised by the news but does not plan to appeal. The 32-year-old Santana signed a four-year, $55 million contract with the Twins after pitching last season with Atlanta.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) β Kentucky’s John Calipari has been named the Coach of the Year by The Associated Press after leading the Wildcats to a 38-0 record and a berth in the Final Four. Frank Kaminsky of the Wisconsin Badgers has won The Associated Press Player of the Year award after averaging 18.7 points and 8.0 rebounds a game. Kaminsky’s Badgers take on Calipari’s Wildcats in the semifinals today at Indianapolis.
