Montero gets three-year, $34.5M deal from Astros

Right-hander Rafael Montero, widely considered the top free-agent reliever, agreed to a three-year, $34.5 million deal to return to Houston. The 32-yearold was 5-2 with a 2.37 ERA, 23 holds, 14 saves and 73 strikeouts while allowing three homers over 68⅓ innings in 2022, his first full season with the Astros.

■ Motor sports: At Sao Paulo, George Russell will start the Brazilian Grand Prix in pole position after winning the Interlagos sprint race, with Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton also in the front row. Max Verstappen, who will start third, and his Red Bull team have clinched Formula One season titles.

■ NHL: Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski will be sidelined the rest of the season after sustaining a separated shoulder and torn labrum Thursday. The 25-year-old had three goals, five assists and a team-high 23:25 in average ice time through 13 games this season, his seventh with the Blue Jackets.