National Sports

TORONTO — There's no doubt about the defensive ability that new Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andres Gimenez brings to the diamond. The big question mark is whether the 26-year-old Venezuelan can reverse two years of slipping numbers at the plate.

TORONTO — It's one step forward, one back when it comes to injuries for the Toronto Raptors. All-star Scottie Barnes was upgraded to questionable by the Raptors on Wednesday after he participated in a full-contact practice at OVO Athletic Centre.

TORONTO — The Northern Super League has signed a multi-year partnership with Hummel to become its official kit provider.

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Canadian defensive back Jayden Dalke to a one-year contract extension Wednesday. The six-foot-one, 200-pound Dalke was slated to become a free agent in February. Dalke, of Leduc, Alta.

VICTORIA — Olympic rower Jeff Powell has been named the new chief executive officer of Rowing Canada.

The University of New Hampshire helped develop star defender Moise Bombito. Now the Wildcats have another Canadian looking to make his mark.

HAMILTON — The home of the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats will soon have a new name.

Ashton Jeanty will head into the U.S. college football playoffs with added incentive after being snubbed in the Heisman Trophy voting. Canadian safety Ty Benefield and the Boise State Broncos plan to follow the star running back's lead.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch is hitting the road next month for a series of coaching workshops for provincial coaches. The trip starts Jan. 21 in Halifax for a stop hosted by Soccer Nova Scotia, with coaches from Nova Scotia, the P.E.I.

TORONTO — An expert in gaming law expects former Toronto Raptors centre Jontay Porter will likely be sentenced to a prison term and face other punishments.