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 …

THE EARLY DAYS OF WOMEN BEATING MEN ON THE MOUND  —  It was a promotion that would make even Bill Veeck blush.  The Reading Coal Heavers, of the Class B Atlantic League, announced their July 5, 1898 contest against Allentown would mark the debut of Lizzie Arlington, “the most famous lady pitcher in the world.”

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.

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.

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.

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.