Red Sox, Tigers in lead for Castillo  —  The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers appear to be the front-runners for the services of Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo, two league sources said Thursday, with a decision expected no later than the weekend.  —  The Red Sox would like to add Castillo …

Richards carted off field after serious knee injury  —  Angels may lose top pitcher for rest of season as club awaits further evaluation  —  BOSTON — Jered Weaver could hear Garrett Richards' scream from the dugout.  —  The Angels' young starting pitcher was lying on the ground near …

ESPN's Jayson Stark: Phillies shake-up coming, Ruben Amaro not safe  —  Don't be so sure Ruben Amaro is coming back, even though Phillies president David Montgomery told fans this week that the general manager “is not on the hot seat.”  —  That's the word from ESPN baseball writer Jayson Stark …

Angels Acquire Gordon Beckham  —  6:01pm: The Angels initially claimed Beckham off waivers, MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez reports (on Twitter).  —  5:07pm: Kay clarifies that the Angels will send a PTBNL or cash considerations to the White Sox in exchange for Beckham, not both, as he initially announced (Twitter link).

Wheeler wins again, Mets end 3-game skid  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — The New York Mets still consider themselves a contender in the NL East chase even with a daunting deficit to make up over the final month.  —  They're counting on building on their latest offensive performance.

Judge rules in favor of former Tigers P Reed  —  DETROIT — A judge on Thursday dismissed rape charges against former Detroit Tigers pitcher Evan Reed, saying the testimony of the woman who accused him wasn't credible and prosecutors failed to show that force or coercion took place.

Gomes exits an inning after being hit in mask  —  MINNEAPOLIS — The Indians were not going to take any chances when catcher Yan Gomes began to feel ill after absorbing a deflected pitch off the mask on Thursday afternoon.  —  In the sixth inning of the Tribe's 4-1 loss to the Twins …

Neal Cotts Staying With Rangers  —  Rangers left-hander Neal Cotts will not be traded, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports (Twitter link).  Cotts was recently claimed by an unknown club, giving the Rangers and this mystery team a 48.5-hour window to work out a trade.

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” …

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 …