GONZALEZ BIG PIECE OF FIVE-PLAYER TRADE
CLEVELAND» The Indians traded one of their extra pieces. They’re keeping their bigger ones — for now.
Cleveland began what could be a busy offseason Wednesday by dealing versatile infielder Erik Gonzalez to the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of a five-player swap.
The AL Central champions sent Gonzalez, 27, who appeared in 81 games for the Indians last season, along with minor-league right-handers Tahnaj Thomas and Dante Mendoza to the Pirates for outfielder Jordan Luplow and infielder Max Moroff.
Gonzalez batted .265 with one homer and 16 RBIs last season for Cleveland, which signed the Dominican native in 2009. And while he filled a valuable utility role, he was not going to crack the starting lineup behind all-stars Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez.
“That was a tough thing for us,” Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said. “We’ve had multiple conversations with Erik about it. He’s done so many things to impact the organization in his time with us, from the time he signed. He’s played every position on the field I think other than catcher at one point or another. But, as our roster has taken shape over the course of the past few seasons, we have not had an opportunity for him to play regularly.
Red Sox reward manager Cora.
Alex Cora brought a new voice and culture to the Boston Red Sox that helped propel them to their latest World Series title.
The Red Sox rewarded him for bringing home a championship in his first year with the team by giving him a new contract with an additional guaranteed year through the 2021 season.
The deal containing the extension was announced by Boston also includes a club option for 2022.
In his rookie season as a majorleague manager, Cora guided the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 victories and the team’s fourth championship in 15 seasons.
He finished second in the AL manager of the year voting announced Tuesday.
Curry to sit during Texas trip.
CALIF.» Stephen Curry won’t OAKLAND, play during Golden State’s threegame Texas road trip as he recovers from a left groin strain, though he is traveling with the Warriors.
The team traveled Wednesday to Houston, where the two-time defending NBA champions will play Thursday night. They have games Saturday at Dallas and Sunday at San Antonio.
Curry was injured during a Nov. 8 game against the Milwaukee Bucks and has been sidelined the past three games. He is scheduled to be re-evaluated in 10 days. The team says he continues to be monitored by the medical staff as he rehabs from his latest injury.
Ohio upsets Buffalo 52-17.
OHIO» Nathan Rourke threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another, A.J. Ouellette had 196 yards rushing and three total scores, and Ohio upset Buffalo 52-17 on Wednesday night.
Nagurski Trophy finalists named.
N.C.» Alabama nose tackle CHARLOTTE,
Quinnen Williams, Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen and LSU safety Grant Delpit give the Southeastern Conference three of the five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy given to the nation’s top defensive player.
The other finalists announced were Michigan linebacker Devin Bush and Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Utah to upgrade, expand stadium.
The University of Utah board of trustees approved an $80 million bonding plan to upgrade and expand the school’s football stadium.
Utes athletic director Mark Harlan said the expansion would bring the capacity to more than 51,000 seats, from its current 46,000, including premium seating in the south end zone, with terraces, loges and suites.