MINNEAPOLIS — Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano, making his first start in more than a month, left in the third inning against Oakland with left elbow pain and is out for the rest of the season.

Liriano came off the disabled list earlier this week after being shelved since Aug. 8 with a strained ligament in his throwing arm. The Twins hoped his return to the starting rotation would be the boost they needed to carry them to the postseason.

The 22-year-old Dominican went 12-3 with a 2.19 ERA and was one of the favorites for the AL rookie of the year award.

GREELEY, Colo. — The backup punter at Northern Colorado has been arrested on suspicion of stabbing his teammate — the starting punter — in the kicking leg.The motive may have been competition for the first-string job, police said.Mitch Cozad was accused of attacking punter Rafael Mendoza in a parking lot Monday night, Evans police Lt. Gary Kessler said.Mendoza was treated and released from the North Colorado Medical Center Monday night. Coach Scott Downing said Mendoza will not punt in Saturday's game at Texas State University.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina starting quarterback Blake Mitchell was arrested after a bar fight and has been suspended from playing.Mitchell was booked at Richland County jail for simple assault, a misdemeanor, police said. He was released following a bond hearing.A Columbia police report said the 21-year-old Mitchell punched Kylan Ertzberger in the left eye during a fight in a bar near the university.

VOORHEES, N.J. — Philadelphia Flyers captain Keith Primeau will retire after failing to receive clearance to play because of lingering effects of a concussion.

NEW YORK — The NFL absolved Cincinnati defensive end Robert Geathers for his hit on Kansas City quarterback Trent Green, emphasizing quarterbacks are responsible for avoiding hits by sliding.Green sustained a serious concussion last Sunday after a hit by Geathers and will miss at least two games.