Travis d'Arnaud has turned himself into a keeper — now how do NY Mets save him from concussions?  —  Travis d'Arnaud has willed himself into becoming a keeper.  He stared down deep struggle this year, and emerged as the talent he was supposed to be.  For passing the emotional test …

Venters has torn UCL, faces third Tommy John surgery  —  NEW YORK — After spending the past few months battling the frustration that came courtesy of his attempt to return from a second Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery, Jonny Venters received some jarring news on Thursday …

Dilson Herrera promoted from B-Mets to the majors  —  Energetic hot-hitting second baseman Dilson Herrera remained behind in Binghamton on Thursday night as the Binghamton Mets left for their final regular-season road trip.  That's because Herrera will join the New York Mets on Friday.

Masterson considers abandoning windup  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  • When Justin Masterson went to the bullpen at Pittsburgh's PNC Park on Wednesday to ready for his next start, he and the Cardinals coaches believed a solution …

Castro's slam, McHugh's outing lead Astros over Rangers  —  HOUSTON — Jason Castro hit a grand slam, Collin McHugh threw seven solid innings and the Houston Astros beat the Texas Rangers 4-2 Thursday night.  —  McHugh (7-9) earned his third straight win, allowing two runs and eight hits while striking out six.

O's stretch AL East lead with comeback win  —  Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland  —  Recap  —  Box Score  —  Play-By-Play  —  Photos  —  Conversation  —  Orioles rally in fifth to top Rays, stretch lead in AL East to 7  —  BALTIMORE — J.J. Hardy singled …

Terry Francona: Jose Abreu seems to be a pitch ahead; Sox edged 3-2  —  As the 2014 season winds down, White Sox slugger Jose Abreu continues to surprise and impress.  —  Abreu's go-ahead single in the seventh inning Wednesday night caught Indians manager Terry Francona a little off-guard.

Yankees Acquire Josh Outman  —  The Indians announced that they have traded left-hander Josh Outman to the Yankees in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations (Twitter link).  —  Outman, who had been pitching at Triple-A Columbus for the Indians, will report to the Yankees' Major League roster.

Angels rally in 10th as A's protest ninth-inning obstruction call  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Howie Kendrick drove in Albert Pujols with a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, and the Los Angeles Angels opened a two-game lead atop the major league standings with a 4-3 victory Thursday night …

Dodgers' affiliates throw two no-hitters on Thursday  —  On Thursday afternoon on a sun-baked field at Camelback Ranch, four Dodgers farmhands combined for a no-hitter in the Arizona League., as the Rookie-level Dodgers defeated the Brewers, 10-0.  A few hours later, on a hot …

Game recap: Braves 6 - Mets 1  —  Result: The Mets dropped their series finale to the Braves, 6-1, Thursday night at Citi Field.  —  Need to Know: The Mets managed just four hits against Mike Minor and Atlanta pitching.  Minor, the Braves' starter Thursday, had two hits of his own, scoring a run and driving in one, as well.

Morneau staying in Colorado after Rockies turn down Brewers' offer  —  The first-place Milwaukee Brewers won the claim on Justin Morneau, the current NL batting average leader, but were unable to acquire him.  —  The Brewers made an offer of unknown players to the Rockies for Morneau …