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baseball • A person with knowledge of the negotiations says free-agent left-hander Scott Kazmir is closing in on a $22 million, two-year contract with the Oakland Athletics. The new contract would be pending a physical.

The 29-year-old Kazmir went 10-9 with a 4.04 ERA in 29 starts last season for the Cleveland Indians. It marked his return to the big leagues for the first time since making one poor outing for the Angels in 2011.

• Infielder Brendan Ryan has agreed to a $5 million, two-year contract to remain with the New York Yankees. The 31-year-old was acquired from Seattle on Sept. 10, a day before the Yankees said captain Derek Jeter would be sidelined for the rest of the season. Ryan hit .220 with one homer in 17 games with New York.

U.S. to face S. Korea in tuneup match

soccer • The U.S. will open its 2014 World Cup preparations with an exhibition against South Korea on Feb. 1 in Carson, Calif. The game, announced Monday, is not on a FIFA fixture date, which means most Europe-based players won't be available. Both teams will learn their first-round World Cup opponents on Friday, when the draw is held in Brazil.

Ohio State avoids suspensions

college football • The Big Ten has decided not to suspend any players or coaches for their actions in the wake of a fight in Saturday's game between No. 2 Ohio State and Michigan. The conference office issued a public reprimand to Buckeyes starting right guard Marcus Hall and the Ohio State coaching staff on Monday. Hall was ejected from the game for coming onto the field to participate in the skirmish. As he was leaving the field, he made an obscene gesture to Michigan fans. Ohio State will face Michigan State on Saturday for the conference championship.

From wire reports