Humphries wins in U.S. World Cup sled debut
Kaille Humphries, who switched competitive allegiance from Canada in September, triumphed in her World Cup debut for the United States on Saturday in Lake Placid, N.Y.
The double Olympic gold medallist paired with brakewoman Lauren Gibbs and the duo finished 0.31 seconds ahead of the competition with a two-run total of one minute 53.48 seconds to secure their first win of the season.
“This feels fantastic to start the season so strong,” said Humphries, who won Olympic gold for Canada in 2010 and 2014. “It’s a great way to start this next chapter. The team has been so supportive, and there’s been incredible team effort this week to make this win happen today. I’m feeling really happy and proud.”
Humphries, who married former U.S. bobsleigh team member Travis Armbruster in September, finished the opening run in 56.70 seconds and led the field by 0.09 seconds after the first heat. She and Gibbs clocked 56.78 on their next slide. Germany’s Stephanie Schneider and Lisette Thoene, who were fourth after the first heat, claimed the silver medal with a two-run total of 1:53:79. Kim Kalicki and Vanessa Mark of Germany took the bronze with a combined time of 1:53:92.
BASKETBALL Cavs might deal away Love
The Cleveland Cavaliers will consider trading all-star power forward Kevin Love before the Feb. 6 deadline, according to a report from ESPN.
The 31-year-old Love has three years and US$90 million left on his contract. He has averaged 18.2 points and 11.2 rebounds across 12 NBA seasons, which included the first six years with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the past six years with Cleveland.
Cleveland is 5-16 this season and is in the process of a rebuild with first-year coach John Beilein.
A slew of veterans have expiring contracts, including Tristan Thompson, Brandon Knight, Jordan Clarkson, John Henson and Matthew Dellavedova. The Cavaliers likely would seek young players and draft picks in exchange for Love, if they were to deal him, ESPN reported.
BASEBALL Right-hander Lyles signs with Rangers
Right-hander Jordan Lyles has agreed to a two-year, US$16 million deal with the Texas Rangers, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The nine-year vet split last season between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers, going 7-1 in 11 starts with Milwaukee after a July 29 trade. Overall, he finished the season 12-8 with a 4.15 ERA across 28 starts. Lyles,
29, has a 43-60 record and 5.11 ERA over 245 career games (143 starts). The Rangers, who bring back Mike Minor, Lance Lynn and Kolby Allard to the rotation, also signed righty Kyle Gibson to a three-year, US$30 million deal last week.
Rosenthal signs Royals minors deal
Former All-Star closer Trevor Rosenthal signed a minor-league contract with the Kansas City Royals, multiple outlets reported Saturday.
The right-handed Rosenthal reportedly agreed to a US$2 million base salary with another US$2.25 million attainable through performance bonuses. Signing with the Royals reunites Rosenthal with new Kansas City manager Mike Matheny. Rosenthal played under Matheny for six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Rosenthal, 29, was an allstar in 2015 under Matheny and saved 93 games over a two-season span (2014-15) with the Cardinals before ineffectiveness and Tommy John surgery derailed his career. He missed the 2018 season due to the surgery and signed with the Washington Nationals last off-season.