Japan Olympic Minister: Games could be held any time in 2020
By YURI KAGEYAMA and MARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s Olympic minister says the contract to hold the Tokyo Games only specifies the event has to be held during 2020. Seiko Hashimoto’s response to a question in the upper house of parliament implies the Olympics could be held later in the year and would not have to start on July 24. Hashimoto told parliament “the IOC has the right to cancel the games only if they are not held during 2020.” She says “this can be interpreted to mean the games can be postponed as long as they are held during the calendar year.” IOC officials and Tokyo organizers have repeatedly said they expect the Olympics to open on schedule.

Pirates pitcher Steven Brault has strained left shoulder
BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Pittsburgh pitcher Steven Brault has a strained left shoulder and will be evaluated in two weeks. Brault is trying to earn a spot with the Pirates after splitting last season between the bullpen and starting rotation. The 27-year-old left-hander has struggled in two appearances this spring training, allowing two runs and four hits in 2 1/3 innings. Brault went 4-6 with a 5.16 ERA in 19 starts and six relief appearances for Pittsburgh last season. Right-hander Clay Holmes is out 4-to-6 weeks due to a foot fracture.

Panic time? Penguins staying patient during unexpected slide
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins are attempting to stay upbeat despite their longest losing streak in eight years. The Penguins have dropped six consecutive games for the first time since the 2011-12 season heading into a visit by Ottawa. The slide includes a trip through California last week that featured losses to three teams well outside of the playoff picture. Pittsburgh has been outscored 24-8 during the skid. Captain Sidney Crosby says it’s hard to put a finger on what has gone wrong but he believes a couple of goals will spark a turnaround.