Angels' Garrett Richards suffers knee injury in win over Red Sox  —  The Angels' pennant hopes were dealt a serious blow Wednesday night when Garrett Richards, their best pitcher this season, suffered a patellar injury to his left knee during an 8-3 win over the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park.

Lucas Duda's 3-run HR highlights Mets' offensive revival in win over A's … OAKLAND, Calif. - With their postseason chances all but extinguished, the only meaningful baseball ahead for the Mets will come as spoilers against teams with brighter days ahead.  —  The Mets thrived in that role Wednesday …

Cubs defend Wrigley Field's grounds crew  —  The Cubs are backing their grounds crew after a report they were inadequately staffed to handle the rain delay that led to Tuesday's suspended game against the Giants.  —  Cubs spokesman Julian Green said the sudden downpour was a “freak occurrence” …

Sources: Three teams in mix to sign Cuban free agent Rusney Castillo  —  The Rusney Castillo negotiations continue to progress rapidly, and the Red Sox are one of the three clubs most actively involved for the Cuban free-agent outfielder, according to major-league sources.

Astros Could Still Reach Deal With Brady Aiken  —  11:46am: “There's nothing to report, nothing going on there,” Astros owner Jim Crane tells Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston (Twitter link) in regards to a possible Aiken deal.  —  11:25am: The Astros could still end up signing …

Verlander expects to start Saturday vs. Twins  —  Right-hander will work one half of the scheduled twin bill barring setbacks  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander expects to avoid going on the disabled list and start on Saturday against the Twins.

Perez scratched with sore right knee, to have MRI  —  DENVER — Royals catcher Salvador Perez will go for an MRI on his sore right knee Thursday after he was a late scratch for Wednesday's series finale against the Rockies.  —  According to manager Ned Yost, Perez “felt great” …

Cruz Hits 33rd HR, Orioles Sweep White Sox  —  CHICAGO — Nelson Cruz took the major league lead with his 33rd home run and the surging Baltimore Orioles completed a three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox with a 4-3 win Wednesday night.  —  Adam Jones and Steve Pearce also homered for the Orioles …

Rookie House, four Indians relievers shut out Twins  —  MINNEAPOLIS - Rookie T.J. House threw shutout ball into the sixth inning, combining with four relievers to pitch the Cleveland Indians past the Minnesota Twins 5-0 Wednesday night.  —  Rookie Zach Walters hit his sixth homer.

Bryant regains Minor League homer lead with No. 41  —  Cubs' No. 1 prospect Kris Bryant retook sole possession of first place in the Minor League home run race Wednesday with a two-run home run in the third inning.  —  Bryant's two-run blast, his first since last Thursday and 41st of 2014 …