Newsmakers

Expected The New York Knicks say forward Danilo Gallinari is expected to miss two to three weeks with a sprained left knee. Gallinari was hurt Sunday during the fourth quarter of a 98-92 victory over Indiana when Pacers swingman Brandon Rush lost his balance after driving for a layup and his right shoulder collided with Gallinari’s knee.

Ruptured Just as DeSagana Diop started to get increased playing time under new Bobcats coach Paul Silas, the center has been lost for the season with a ruptured right Achilles’ tendon, tests revealed Monday.

Elected Missouri junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert has elected to make himself available for the NFL draft. Gabbert has started the past two years, and is coming off a standout performance in the Insight Bowl, when he was 41 of 57 for 434 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Iowa. Various early draft predictions have rated Gabbert as a first-round pick and the second-best at his position behind Andrew Luck of Stanford.

Announced Utah junior cornerback Brandon Burton announced that he will forego his final year of eligibility and enter April’s NFL draft. Burton led Utah in pass breakups the past two seasons. He had two interceptions in 2010.

Declared Indiana receiver Tandon Doss has announced he will give up his senior season to enter the NFL draft. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound junior was an all-conference choice for the second straight season in 2010 after leading the Big Ten with 175.8 all-purpose yards per game. He ranked fourth in the nation in that category.

Added Former N.L. Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb and left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes are now part of the Texas Rangers’ pitching staff. Webb and Rhodes agreed to one-year contracts last month but had to pass physicals to complete the deals.

Finalized Left-hander Pedro Feliciano and the New York Yankees have finalized an $8 million, two-year contract. The agreement, which includes a $4.5 million club option for 2013, gives New York another left-hander in the bullpen.

Completed The San Diego Padres have completed a $3 million, one-year deal with Brad Hawpe. Hawpe, who will switch from outfield to first base, will make $2 million in 2011. The deal includes a $6 million mutual option for 2012 with a $1 million buyout. Hawpe will replace three-time All-Star Adrian Gonzalez, who was traded to Boston in December. Hawpe has mostly been an outfielder in seven big league seasons, with a handful of starts at first base.