Texas shuts down Yu Darvish for the season

Texas ace Yu Darvish will not pitch again this season, General Manager Jon Daniels said Saturday. The 28-year-old right-hander, a three-time All-Star, has not pitched since Aug. 9 because of elbow inflammation. He finishes 10-7 with a 3.06 ERA and 182 strikeouts in 1441/3 innings.

Tanaka’s session goes well

Masahiro Tanaka threw a 34-pitch bullpen session, the Yankees right-hander’s first mound action since Aug. 28. Tanaka hasn’t appeared in a game since July 8 because of a partially torn elbow ligament but said he felt stronger and pain-free after the session, and hopes to pitch this month for New York.

Etc.

Washington closer Rafael Soriano, who has a 6.98 ERA since the All-Star break and has blown three of his last five save chances, was demoted by Manager Matt Williams, who said the NL East-leading Nationals will try a closer-by-committee approach. . . . Boston removed Koji Uehara from the closer role, a day after he blew his third straight save opportunity, and replaced him with Edward Mujica. . . . Kansas City starter Danny Duffy lasted just one pitch against the Yankees on Saturday, leaving because of left shoulder soreness.