Angels acquire Victorino from Sox

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Los Angeles Angels acquired veteran outfielder Shane Victorino and more than $3.8 million from the Boston Red Sox for infielder Josh Rutledge.

The 34-year-old Victorino is a two-time World Series champion, a two-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glove winner. He has spent the past three years in Boston, batting .245 in just 33 games this season with two stints on the disabled list.

Mets trade for Oakland reliever

NEW YORK — The active New York Mets acquired first-rate reliever Tyler Clippard from Oakland for a minor league pitcher, completing their second trade in four days and sending another signal they’re serious about contending this year.

The suddenly aggressive Mets shipped Casey Meisner to the Athletics in a swap of right-handers that increases New York’s payroll by a little more than $2 million.

The 30-year-old Clippard, eligible for free agency after this season, is 1-3 with a 2.79 ERA and 17 saves in 21 chances.

NFL creates new policy for footballs

NEW YORK — The NFL is preparing to send out instructions to game officials and teams explaining new rules for inspecting footballs.

Two people familiar with the league’s plans told The Associated Press that proper inflation of the footballs will be documented as part of the new policy.

Among the details being considered for the new policy: having game officials appointed by the referee inspect the 48 footballs for each game more than two hours before kickoff. In the past, the referee inspected the footballs.

Cavaliers trade with Blazers

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded forward Mike Miller and center Brendan Haywood to the Portland Trail Blazers to create salary-cap room and save luxury-tax money.

The Cavs have been shopping Haywood’s expiring $10.5 million contract for weeks and worked out a deal with the Blazers, who will also get two picks from Cleveland.

The Blazers are expected to cut Haywood.