MLB ,NFL,Mark Johnston ,Soccer: Sports round-up

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

MLB 2019 schedule: Yankees-Red Sox as royals, A's-M's in Japan

Tokyo is host to 2019 Opening Day in Major League Baseball. The Opening Series featuring the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners will be played March 20-21, with traditional Opening Day held stateside on March 28 with 10 division matchups.

NFL notebook: Helmet rule remains unchanged after league review

Despite a review by the NFL competition committee, there will be no changes to the controversial helmet rule established in the spring, NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent announced Wednesday. The committee held a conference call in which feedback from players, coaches and game officials was reviewed.

Horse racing: Johnston breaks all-time British training record

Mark Johnston became the most prolific winning trainer in the history of British horse racing on Thursday when he saddled his 4,194th victorious runner at York. Poet's Society, a 20-1 outsider ridden by one of Britain's most celebrated jockeys Frankie Dettori, won a handicap chase to push the 58-year-old Scotsman Johnston past the mark of 4,193 set by Richard Hannon Snr.

Soccer: Klopp defends Ozil over criticism for Erdogan photo

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has defended German compatriot Mesut Ozil, saying the criticism the Arsenal midfielder received for being photographed with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was due to "absolute misinformation" and "complete nonsense". Ozil also came under fire for his performances at the World Cup in Russia, where the defending champions crashed out in the group stage, as the 29-year-old quit international soccer last month over "racism and disrespect" due to his Turkish roots.

Motorcycling: Crutchlow extends Honda contract to 2020

British MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow has extended his contract with Honda and the LCR team until the end of 2020, they announced at his home Grand Prix on Thursday. Crutchlow has won three Grand Prix for Honda in motorcycling's top category.

MLB notebook: Yanks put Chapman (knee) on DL

The New York Yankees placed left-hander Aroldis Chapman on the 10-day disabled list due to left knee tendinitis on Wednesday, one day after he departed a game against the Miami Marlins. Chapman underwent an MRI exam and other tests in Miami on Wednesday. He is slated to see a New York doctor on Friday. There is no immediate timetable per how long Chapman will be sidelined.

Bell's return date a mystery to teammates

One prominent member of the Pittsburgh Steelers said he is in the dark when it comes to Le'Veon Bell's next step. "I wish I knew," center Maurkice Pouncey told ESPN. "He's kind of kept to himself about it."

Green Bay Packers not shopping WR Cobb

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb is not on the trade block. One day after former NFL personnel man Mike Lombardi said Cobb was known to be available via trade in league circles, NFL Network countered to the contrary, reporting Cobb will be in Green Bay this season to play out the final year of his contract.

MLB roundup: Nats stun Phils on Zimmerman walk-off HR

Ryan Zimmerman hit a two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning off Seranthony Dominguez to give the Washington Nationals an 8-7 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. With Philadelphia up 7-6, Dominguez (1-4) retired the first two batters of the ninth before Juan Soto doubled. Zimmerman then homered to right-center -- the original call of a double on the field was overturned -- which let Washington walk off with its second straight win in the series.

NHL: Wickenheiser joins Maple Leafs player development role

Hayley Wickenheiser, the winner of four Olympic gold medals with the Canadian women's ice hockey team, has joined the Toronto Maple Leafs as the assistant director of player development, the National Hockey League club said on Thursday. Canada's flag bearer at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games, Wickenheiser retired with the most goals, assists, and points ever for the Canadian women's team and as the all-time leading scorer at the Olympic Games where she was named most valuable player in 2002 and 2006.

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