Bobby Jenks, 2-time All-Star closer and World Series champ with White Sox, dies at 44

CHICAGO >> Bobby Jenks, a two-time All-Star closer and World Series champion with the Chicago White Sox, has died, the team announced Saturday. He was 44.

The White Sox said Jenks died Friday in Sintra, Portugal, where he was being treated for adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer.

Jenks helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series, saving four games in six appearances during the postseason. He was an All-Star in each of the next two seasons while saving 41 games in 2006 and 40 in 2007.

He retired 41 consecutive batters in 2007, matching a record for a reliever.

“He was embarrassing guys, good hitters, right away,” former White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko said in a video tribute.

Jenks saved 173 games for the White Sox from 2005-10 before finishing his career with 19 appearances in 2011 for the Boston Red Sox. For his career, he was 16-20 with a 3.53 ERA and 351 strikeouts in 348 appearances, all in relief.

“He and his family knew cancer would be his toughest battle, and he will be missed as a husband, father, friend and teammate,” White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “He will forever hold a special place in all our hearts.”

Jenks is survived by his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, their two children, Zeno and Kate, and his four children from a prior marriage, Cuma, Nolan, Rylan and Jackson.

Whitmore traded to Wizards, Huff going to Pacers, AP sources say

Cam Whitmore is going back to his home area after being traded by the Houston Rockets to the Washington Wizards for a pair of second-round picks, a person with knowledge of the deal said Saturday.

The trade will likely be folded into a larger multiteam series of moves and cannot be finalized until Sunday at the earliest, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of that pending NBA approval. The league’s offseason moratorium on most player movement gets lifted Sunday at noon EDT.

Whitmore, a Maryland native, averaged 10.8 points in his two seasons with the Rockets — who took him with the No. 20 pick in the 2023 draft.

Eastern Conference champion Indiana, in need of a center after losing Myles Turner to Milwaukee, has agreed to acquire Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for second-round draft capital, a person with knowledge of that deal said.

MLS game between LAFC and Austin FC in Texas postposed by inclement weather

AUSTIN, Texas >> The Major League Soccer game between Los Angeles FC and Austin FC was postponed Saturday because of inclement weather.

“The decision was made due to severe weather impacting the safety of travel in Central Texas and with guidance from relevant local authorities,” Austin FC said in a statement.

A new date for the match at Q2 Stadium will be announced at a later date.

In the statement, Austin also expressed sympathy for those affected by flooding in the state.

“Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and neighbors who have lost their lives, and we urge that those who are able find their way to safety,” the club said. “We also want to express our gratitude and respect for those who are responding to the crisis with life saving measures.”

— The Associated Press