Senator seeks help for Kanter

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden wants to ensure Trail Blazers center Enes Kanter, a Turkish star whom Turkey wants arrested for his criticism of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will be able to safely travel to Canada for a possible NBAchampionship series against the Raptors.

The Oregon senator wrote to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asking that his government facilitate Kanter’s safe passage to and from Canada if the Blazers advance to the title series.

“I also urge your government to state publicly that it will not comply with any Interpol red notice meant to interfere with Mr. Kanter’s livelihood and to intimidate him and his family back in Turkey,” Wyden wrote. Wyden is a fan of his hometown team, often attending games, and he appeared in photos alongside the player who helped push the Blazers past the Nuggets to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

Turkish officials have sought a “red notice” an international wanted notice for Kanter through Interpol. Kanter’s Turkish passport was canceled in 2017. Kanter is a longtime critic of Erdogan.

MLB

SALE K’S 17 >> Red Sox ace Chris Sale struck out a career-high 17 in just seven innings against Colorado, then was pulled after 108 pitches on a chilly night at Fenway Park.

Sale became the first pitcher in major-league history to fan 17 in a start of no more than seven innings.

The big-league record for strikeouts in nine innings is 20, done five times. Roger Clemens did it twice for Boston, Kerry Wood and Randy Johnson also accomplished the feat and Max Scherzer was the last to it in 2016.

YANKEES PICK UP MO

RALES>> The Yankees acquired veteran slugger Kendrys Morales from the Athletics.

New York is also getting cash from Oakland and will send a player to be named or cash in the deal announced.

The A’s acquired Morales from Toronto on March 27, and the 13year major-league veteran appeared in 34 games. The switch-hitter batted .204 with one homer and seven RBI before being designated for assignment.

WNBA SEATTLECOACHHASCAN

CER SURGERY >> Seattle coach Dan Hughes had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his digestive tract.

Hughes will miss Seattle’s two preseason games. The team provided no timetable for his return. Assistant coach Gary Kloppenburg will take over head coaching duties in Hughes’ absence.

Hughes revealed the cancer diagnosis on April 19. The tumor was discovered after he underwent an emergency appendectomy.

The 64-year- old led Seattle to the WNBA title last season.

Soccer GRIEZMANN LEAVING AT

LETICOMADRID>> Antoine Griezmann is leaving Atletico Madrid and could be close to joining Barcelona next season. The France forward told Atletico he has decided not to stay for a sixth season with the club.

He said in a video released by the Spanish club that he wants to “see different things, face other challenges.”

“It wasn’t easy to make this decision, but it’s what I feel and what I need,” the 28-yearold Griezmann said. “I want to thank everyone for their support during these five years with the club where I’ve won my first important trophies. I’ve enjoyed some incredible moments and I’ll never forget them.”

NHL SHANAHANSIGNSEXTEN

SION>> Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan signed a six-year contract extension through 2024-25.

Since the Toronto native took on the role with the team in April 2014 the beginning of the socalled “Shana-Plan” the Leafs bottomed out in the standings before a resurgence that has seen the franchise make the playoffs in each of the past three seasons.