Sports Briefs

BASEBALL

Orioles send Guthrie to Rockies for Lindstrom and Hammel

DENVER — The Colorado Rockies acquired veteran right-hander Jeremy Guthrie from the Baltimore Orioles on Monday, a move that bolsters their young rotation.

The Rockies sent reliever Matt Lindstrom and right-hander Jason Hammel to the Orioles.

Guthrie, 32, the Orioles‘ opening day starter three of the past four seasons, lost 17 games last season, the most in the American League, and finished with a 4.33 ERA.

Hammel, 29, was shuffled between the bullpen and the Rockies‘ rotation last season. He was 7-13 with a 4.67 ERA in 32 appearances. Lindstrom, 27, a middle-inning reliever, was 2-2 with a career-best 3.00 ERA in 2011.

PRO BASKETBALL

Timberwolves‘ Love dealt two-game suspension

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love has been suspended two games for stomping on Rockets forward Luis Scola’s face in their game Saturday.

The incident occurred when Scola fell to the court during the third quarter. As Love headed back to the other end, he stepped on Scola’s face and upper body. Love said after the game that the stomp was not intentional and he went to the Rockets’ locker room to apologize to Scola.

The NBA also upgraded it to a Flagrant-Two foul on Love. The suspension means the Timberwolves will be without their leading scorer and rebounder for a home game against Sacramento on Tuesday night and a game at Memphis on Wednesday night.

HOCKEY

Penguins’ Crosby practicing; return isn’t imminent

MONTREAL — Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby practiced but said he is no closer to returning from a concussion and neck injury that have sidelined him for most of the season.

Coach Dan Bylsma felt with Jordan Staal and Simon Despres ready to resume skating after their injuries, it was better to include Crosby in the main practice rather than have him skate on his own. Crosby moved with plenty of energy and took part in every drill.

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