Mets' hiring of Rojas as manager is official

NEW YORK — The Mets made it official, hiring Luis Rojas as their manager to replace Carlos Beltran. New York announced the move Thursday, a week after Beltran departed without managing a game.

Rojas, who had been the Mets quality control coach, was given a multiyear contract.

"I will work tirelessly to help this team win," Rojas said in a statement. "I believe this team and coaching staff can do special things, and I look forward to working together with everyone to reach our goals."

More MLB: Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger is expected to miss the start of the regular season and likely needs to undergo core muscle surgery, Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said. Haniger suffered the injury during one of his offseason workouts earlier this week. Dipoto said the latest setback is tied to Haniger's injury issues from last season. Haniger missed the final 31/2 months of the season after suffering a ruptured testicle and then experiencing back issues during his recovery. Haniger was limited to 63 games and batted .220 with 15 homers and 32 RBIs.

College football: Mississippi State coach Mike Leach is hiring Zach Arnett as his new defensive coordinator, the school has announced. He had recently accepted the defensive coordinator spot at Syracuse, but instead will join Leach in Starkville. ... Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele has agreed to a three-year contract through the 2022 season. ... After this week's arrival of Houston graduate transfer quarterback star D'Eriq King, it appears University of Miami quarterback Jarren Williams' transfer will really happen.

Softball: Major League Baseball is using its financial muscle to support the U.S. women's softball team, which already is assured a spot in the Tokyo...