Newsmakers
Joining An official with knowledge of the agreement says George Mason is joining the Atlantic 10 next season. The official told The Associated Press that George Mason will announce that it is leaving the Colonial Athletic Association effective July 1. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because both the school and the conference plan to announce the move today.
Acquired The streaking Pittsburgh Penguins acquired forward Brenden Morrow from the Dallas Stars to bolster the team’s second line. Pittsburgh sent defenseman Joe Morrow, the team’s first-round pick in the 2011 draft, and a fifth-round choice this year to Dallas in exchange for Morrow and the Stars’ third-round pick in the draft. The 34-year-old Morrow has 243 goals and 285 assists in 835 games, all with Dallas. Morrow will become a free agent at the end of the season. He waived his no-trade clause to move to the Penguins.
Released The San Diego Padres released veteran right-handed pitcher Freddy Garcia, eliminating one candidate for the No. 5 spot in their starting rotation. Garcia, who signed a minor-league contract with the Padres this offseason, was 1-4 with an 8.71 ERA in six starts, allowing 25 runs and 26 hits in 20 2/3 innings. The 36-year-old was competing with rookie Tyson Ross for the final spot in San Diego’s rotation. Garcia is 152-101 in his career with a 4.15 ERA.
Out New Jersey Devils star Ilya Kovalchuk will be out 2 to 4 weeks after hurting his right shoulder. The high-scoring forward was injured in the third period of the Devils’ 2-1 victory over Florida on Saturday. General manager Lou Lamoriello says he won’t need surgery. Kovalchuk is second on the team with 10 goals and 27 points.
• Ireland soccer captain Robbie Keane will miss his team’s World Cup qualifier against Austria because of a calf injury. The Los Angeles Galaxy forward had been set to make his 124th international appearance Tuesday. Keane, Ireland’s career leader with 54 goals, was hurt during Friday’s 0-0 draw at Sweden and had a scan Sunday. He was replaced by Wolverhampton forward Kevin Doyle.