Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
MLB notebook: Veteran LHP Hill to miss half of 2020
Free-agent left-hander Rich Hill underwent elbow surgery following the 2019 season and will miss approximately half the 2020 season, the 39-year-old told the Orange County Register on Monday. Hill underwent a procedure known as "primary revision" to repair a re-injury to the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching arm. He had Tommy John surgery in 2011.
Olympique Lyonnais parent in talks to buy NWSL's Reign FC
The owners of Olympique Lyonnais are in talks to buy National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) franchise Reign FC, according to the Washington State-based club, bringing added clout to the team amid an explosive year for U.S. women's soccer. OL Groupe is expected to close the deal before the end of January next year, with current Reign FC owners Teresa Predmore and Bill Predmore retaining a minority stake in the club.
WADA committee recommends four-year Russia Olympic ban
Russia should be hit with a four-year Olympic ban and barred from all world championships for the manipulation of data retrieved from a tainted Moscow laboratory, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Monday. The recommendations were made by WADA's independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) and will be put to the executive committee at meetings in Paris on Dec. 9.
Rays bring back C Zunino on $4.5 million deal
The Tampa Bay Rays and catcher Mike Zunino agreed to a $4.5 million contract for the 2020 season on Monday, avoiding arbitration. The team has a 2021 option, also for $4.5 million, with compensation potentially growing to $5.25 million with incentives.
Mixed Martial Arts-UFC revises drugs policy over contaminated supplements
The UFC and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced changes to the mixed martial arts organization's drugs policy on Monday to address concerns over cases involving contaminated supplements. The changes aim to differentiate between "intentional cheaters" and athletes who "innocently test positive".
NFL notebook: Bengals QB Dalton to start vs. Jets
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton will be under center when his winless team hosts the New York Jets this weekend, coach Zac Taylor announced Monday. Dalton started the Bengals' first eight games of the season before being benched in favor of rookie Ryan Finley. The 2019 fourth-round pick has completed just 41 of 87 passes for 474 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in three games.
Maple Leafs F Kerfoot suspended two games
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Alex Kerfoot was suspended two games for his hit on Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson, the NHL's Department of Safety announced Monday. Johnson's cross-check to Johnson from behind caused his former teammate to crash into the boards with 2:44 remaining in the second period of Saturday's game. Johnson was assessed a minor penalty for boarding on the play.
NHL roundup: Stars' seventh straight win ties team mark
Alexander Radulov had two goals and an assist, and John Klingberg had three assists as the Dallas Stars tied a franchise record with their seventh straight victory, 4-2 over the visiting Vegas Golden Knights on Monday. Esa Lindell and Jason Dickinson also scored, and Tyler Sequin had two assists for Dallas, which extended its point streak to 12 games (11-0-1) for the first time since 2002-03. It was the fifth time in franchise history Dallas won seven straight games, most recently in 2008.
Flames D Brodie to return 11 days after collapsing
Calgary Flames defenseman T.J. Brodie was activated ahead of Monday night's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins just 11 days after collapsing during a practice. A battery of tests didn't unearth any serious problems and Brodie is thankful to be back on the ice.
Murray says can play without hip worries ahead of new season
Former world tennis number one Andy Murray said he can finally play without worrying about his hip following career-saving surgery in January, but expects next year's Australian Open to be the biggest test of his progress. The 32-year-old looked on the verge of ending his career at the start of the year but returned to singles action on the ATP Tour in August following resurfacing surgery, and won his first trophy since 2017 beating Stan Wawrinka in Antwerp last month.
