Reds Hire Pitching Coach Derek Johnson Away From Brewers  —  4:57pm: MLB.com's Adam McCalvy tweets that Milwaukee general manager David Stearns has confirmed that Johnson is leaving the organization.  The Brewers had “extensive” negotiations in an effort to retain Johnson, Stearns said …

Thrown beer at Red Sox parade damages World Series trophy  —  This is most definitely the wrong kind of dinger.  —  Security was heavy for Wednesday's duck boat parade carrying the victorious Red Sox through downtown Boston to celebrate the team's fourth World Series title in 15 years — but there was still one problem.

Bill Fischer, who spent seven decades in pro baseball, dies at 88  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Former big league pitcher Bill Fischer, who spent more than seven decades as a player and coach in professional baseball, died Tuesday.  He was 88.  —  The Royals announced Fischer's death in a statement Wednesday.

Mickey Callaway has ‘support’ of the Mets' new GM … The Mets' new general manager is intent on keeping the old manager.  —  Mickey Callaway will meet with new GM Brodie Van Wagenen this week, at which time he will be told he's still the Mets' field boss.

Column: As Cubs consider Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, the answer is simple: Neither  —  Chicago Tribune  —  As Dodgers slugger Manny Machado admired the longest single of the World Series in Game 3, he cost himself more than a double by dogging it down the first-base line.

Willie McCovey Passes Away  —  The Giants issued a heavy-hearted statement Wednesday, announcing that Hall of Famer and franchise icon Willie McCovey has passed away peacefully at the age of 80 “after losing his battle with ongoing health issues.”  —  “San Francisco and the entire baseball community lost …

Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw Push Opt-Out Deadline To Friday Afternoon  —  The Dodgers announced tonight that they've agreed to push back the deadline on Clayton Kershaw's opt-out decision until Friday afternoon at 4pm ET.  The original agreement in his contract was that he'd have three days …

Astros decline catcher Brian McCann's $15M option  —  HOUSTON — The Houston Astros have declined their $15 million club option for 2019 on catcher Brian McCann.  —  EDITOR'S PICKS  —  McCann spent the last two seasons with the Astros after a trade from the New York Yankees in November 2016.

Pirates To Decline Option Over Josh Harrison, Jung Ho Kang  —  The Pirates will decline their club option over infielder Josh Harrison, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (Twitter link).  Likewise, infielder Jung Ho Kang is heading to free agency, MLB.com's Adam Berry tweets.

Cubs sign agreements with 4 minor-league affiliates through 2022  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The Cubs have stabilized working relationships with their minor-league affiliates, signing two-year contract extensions with Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Tennessee, Class A Myrtle Beach and Class …