Magic center Moritz Wagner will miss remainder of season with torn ACL

Orlando center Moritz Wagner will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee, that news coming to the injury-riddled Magic one day after they pulled off one of the more improbable wins in franchise history.

Wagner underwent an MRI exam on Sunday to confirm the tear. He will require surgery and then a recovery period of several months.

He was injured in Orlando’s 121-114 win over the Miami Heat on Saturday night, a game where the Magic rallied from a 22-point deficit to start the fourth quarter and tied a franchise record by erasing what at one point was a 25-point hole.

It is the latest and most severe addition to a long list of significant injuries for the Magic this season. Orlando has been without All-Star forward Paolo Banchero for the last 25 of its 30 games because of a torn oblique, and forward Franz Wagner — Moritz’s brother, someone who was well on his way to an All-Star nod this season before getting hurt — has missed the last five games with a torn oblique as well.

Banchero is nearing a return. Franz Wagner will likely miss at least a few more weeks. The Magic have survived it all, getting off to an 18-12 start that has them fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Thunder sign Caruso to multi-year extension

OKLAHOMA CITY>> The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Sunday that they have signed Alex Caruso to a multi-year extension.

Caruso’s agent, Greg Lawrence, confirmed ESPN’s report that it is a four-year, $81 million deal.

The Thunder added the 30-year-old Caruso in an offseason move that sent Josh Giddey to Chicago. Caruso has fit in seamlessly, averaging 5.7 points and 2.4 assists and ranking sixth in the league with 1.9 steals per game. He has provided a veteran presence on one of the league’s youngest teams.

With Caruso and Lu Dort creating havoc against opposing backcourts, the Thunder have a Western Conference-best 22-5 record. Oklahoma City leads the league in defensive rating, opponent field goal percentage, opponent 3-point percentage, opponent points per game, turnovers forced, steals and deflections.

Rangers trade 1B Lowe to Nationals for lefty Garcia

ARLINGTON, Texas>> The Texas Rangers acquired left-handed reliever Robert Garcia from the Washington Nationals in a trade Sunday for past Gold Glove and Silver Slugger first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.

Garcia had 75 strikeouts in 59 2/3 innings over 72 appearances for the Nationals last season.

Texas is parting with Lowe after acquiring slugging corner infielder Jake Burger from Miami for three minor league players during the winter meetings less than two weeks ago.

Lowe hit .265 with 16 homers and 69 RBIs this year for the Rangers. He hit .302 in 2022, then was a Gold Glove winner during the team’s World Series championship season in 2023.

Urshela, Athletics finalize $2.15M, 1-year contract

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif.>> Third baseman Gio Urshela and the Athletics finalized a $2.15 million, one-year contract on Sunday.

Urshela can earn an additional $450,000 in performance bonuses for plate appearances: $100,000 each for 300, 350, 400 and 450, and $50,000 for 500.

Third base was a top priority as the club builds its roster to play at least the next three seasons in West Sacramento. The A’s hope to build a new ballpark and move to Las Vegas.