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 …

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 …

Surging Orioles set for challenges of stretch run  —  Rotation's continued success, Machado's return keys for Baltimore in pennant race  —  CHICAGO — The Orioles, winners in nine of their past 10 series, have their largest lead — nine games — in the American League East since 1997 …

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).

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 …

Braves Beat Reds 8-0 for 6th Win in Last 7  —  CINCINNATI — Justin Upton extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a bases-loaded single during Atlanta's decisive third inning, and the Braves extended their offensive resurgence with an 8-0 victory over the fading Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night.

Without Davis, Philadelphia falls to Chicago at LLWS  —  SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Chicago manager Darold Butler has a message for the Windy City.  —  “Keep cheering,” Butler said Thursday night after the biggest victory of his baseball career.  “We hear you.  It's working.  Make it louder.”

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 …

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.

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” …

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 …