Sports in briefs

COURTSDykstra facing prison time

Former Mets outfielder Lenny Dykstra has changed his plea from not guilty to no contest on charges of auto theft and providing a false financial statement. Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Alex Karnanen says the 48-year-old faces up to four years in prison as part of a plea deal. Dykstra and two co-defendants are accused of trying to lease and then sell high-end cars from several car dealerships in January by claiming credit through a phony business In exchange for changing his plea, prosecutors dropped more than a dozen charges against Dykstra, shortening the possible jail time he faces by eight years. Dykstra is scheduled to be sentenced next Jan. 20.

BASEBALLYanks decline Marte's option

Damaso Marte's mostly forgettable Yankees' career -- with the 2009 World Series against the Phillies being a significant exception -- is over. The team yesterday declined to exercise its 2012 option, worth $4 million, on the lefthander, who received a $250,000 buyout.

Marte spent much of his time in pinstripes on the disabled list. He last appeared in a game July 7, 2010, going on the DL shortly thereafter with inflammation in his left shoulder. Marte had surgery to repair a torn labrum last Oct. 22.

With Marte gone, Pedro Feliciano likely out all of 2012 after undergoing left rotator cuff surgery Sept. 8, and the inconsistent Boone Logan their lone lefty option, the Yankees will be in the market for lefthanded reliever.GOLF

Barclay's at Black begins Aug. 23

The PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs next year will begin at Bethpage Black Aug. 23-26, the Tour announced yesterday as it released its 2012 schedule. It will be the first time the four-week playoffs will stop at the Black Course, which drew the Tour's interest by having hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens. Tour players and local golfers are intrigued about how the course will play with expected firmer, faster conditions with lower rough. Tickets will be less expensive than those for the Opens. Prices are $75 daily and $150 for the week.

Bradley wins PGA Slam

Keegan Bradley held off a final-round charge from Charl Schwartzel to win the PGA Grand Slam at Southampton, Bermuda. Bradley's par-71 left him 4 under for the tournament and a shot ahead of Schwartzel. Rory McIlroy finished third and Darren Clarke fourth. Bradley won $600,000. -- AP