MORNING ROUNDUP
Paxton traded to Mariners for prospects
Left-hander James Paxton was acquired by the Yankees from the Seattle Mariners for a trio of prospects Monday, bolstering the thin starting rotation that contributed to New York's loss to Boston in the AL Division Series.
New York sent lefthander Justus Sheffield to the Mariners along with right-hander Erik Swanson and outfielder Dom Thompson-Williams.
Paxton turned 30 on Nov. 6 and went 11-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 28 starts last season, including a no-hitter at Toronto on May 8.
Bulls' Valentine likely out for season
Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine needs reconstructive surgery on his left ankle and will likely miss the entire season.
The Bulls announced Monday he was diagnosed with "ongoing ankle instability" after being examined by a specialist. The No. 14 pick in the 2016 draft, Valentine will have surgery next week, with a recovery of four to six months.
Pelicans guard Payton to miss about 6 weeks
The New Orleans Pelicans say guard Elfrid Payton is scheduled for surgery to repair a fractured finger on his left hand and that his recovery is expected to take about six weeks.
Payton was injured during last Friday night's victory over the New York Knicks, which was also his first game back in the lineup after sitting out nine contests with a sprained ankle.
Payton has played in just six of the Pelicans' 16 games this season, averaging 9.7 points and 5.3 assists.