Sox deal for minor-league pitcher
The White Sox shored up their pitching depth Thursday by acquiring minor-league left-hander Manny Banuelos from the Dodgers for Class A infielder Justin Yurchak.
Banuelos, 27, spent all of 2018 with Class AAA Oklahoma City in the Dodgers’ organization, going 9-7 with a 3.73 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 108‰ innings in 31 games, including 18 starts. He was named to the Pacific Coast League all-star team.
Yurchak, 22, batted .256 with one home run, 36 RBI and 44 runs scored in 95 games with Class A Kannapolis. The Sox selected him in the 12th round of the 2017 draft.
Banuelos has a 3.56 ERA in 10 minor-league seasons in the Yankees’, Braves’, Angels’ and Dodgers’ organizations. He likely will get a chance to compete for a spot in the Sox’ rotation but can be used in multiple roles.
♦ The Rays finalized a minor-league contract with 16-year-old Cuban righthander Sandy Gaston that includes a $2.61 million signing bonus. Gaston is ranked among the top international prospects eligible to sign with majorleague teams this year.
Smith wants trade from Cavs
Enigmatic Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith said he wants to be traded after being dropped from the team’s rotation in favor of younger players.
Smith, 33, said he hasn’t formally requested a trade because the Cavaliers are already aware of his feelings.
‘‘They know,’’ said Smith, who has played in only four of the Cavaliers’ first eight games, averaging 12 minutes. ‘‘They don’t want me, so they obviously know.’’
In other Cavaliers news, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the team will host the All-Star Game in 2022, the league’s 75th-anniversary season.
♦ Joel Embiid scored 41 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to carry the 76ers past the visiting Clippers 123-113. It was Embiid’s sixth time in nine games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds.
♦ Wizards coach Scott Brooks said center Dwight Howard (back) will make his season debut Friday against the Thunder.
Laine sparks Jets in Finland
Patrik Laine had a hat trick in his home country to fuel the Jets to a 4-2 victory against the Panthers in Helsinki, Finland. The teams will play in Helsinki again Friday.
Before the game, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league is planning to play a season-opening game in the Czech Republic and two more in Sweden next season.