Eighteen amazing facts about the 2018 MLB postseason  —  Some of the best storylines this postseason were rooted in stats — from the 18-inning Game 3 in the World Series game to David Price's redemption to the Astros' prolific postseason home run hitting.  Let's take a look …

Dodgers expected to retain Dave Roberts as manager  —  LOS ANGELES — Dave Roberts is expected to return as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, as is the entirety of his coaching staff, front-office executives Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi strongly suggested during a joint news conference from Dodger Stadium on Thursday.

Cardinals infielder Greg Garcia claimed on waivers by San Diego  —  San Diego area native Greg Garcia is going home to play.  The utility infielder who has played the past four seasons for the Cardinals was claimed on waivers by the Padres on Thursday.  —  The lefthanded-hitting Garcia …

Ex-Brave Brian McCann becomes a free agent  —  Former Braves catcher Brian McCann became a free agent Wednesday when the Houston Astros declined a $15 million option for the 2019 season.  —  McCann played for the Braves from 2005-13.  He was a member of the original “Baby Braves” …

New Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen's roster upgrades need to start with bullpen help ... and a catcher  —  With the Mets having brought in Brodie Van Wagenen as their new general manager on Tuesday, it's time for the organization to start looking at how they can back up his bold promises.

Rays Sign Sandy Gaston  —  The Rays have formally announced the signing of hard-throwing Cuban pitching prospect Sandy Gaston.  The 16-year-old (17 in December) showcased for big league clubs at Marlins Park alongside Victor Victor Mesa and Victor Mesa Jr. in early October and, as of last week …

Phillies' positional needs centered on, but not limited to, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado  —  The oddsmakers at Bovada Sportsbook must be from Philadelphia.  —  Then again, maybe not.  —  To most Phillies fans, the thought of Bryce Harper or Manny Machado choosing to sign here is too good to be believed …

Braves have little incentive to make qualifying offer to Nick Markakis  —  MLB's deadline for qualifying offers is at 5 p.m. Friday.  The offer is valued at a robust $17.9 million for one year.  —  Teams can make the offer to their eligible free agents, resulting in either retaining …

The issues, hopes, fears for 4 Cubs players on the rebound trail  —  These four Cubs players have issues.  (Chicago Tribune) Chicago Tribune  —  The Cubs could improve on their 95-win season without signing Bryce Harper or Manny Machado.  —  How?  —  From Kris Bryant's left shoulder …

White Sox Acquire Manny Banuelos  —  The White Sox have acquired lefty Manny Banuelos from the Dodgers, per an announcement from the Chicago organization.  He'll go onto the 40-man roster, James Fegan of The Athletic adds on Twitter.  Corner infielder Justin Yurchak is headed to Los Angeles in return.

Pitching coach Derek Johnson latest to depart Craig Counsell's staff  —  MILWAUKEE — Brewers pitching coach Derek Johnson is leaving the team, the third departure on manager Craig Counsell's staff since the end of the season.  —  EDITOR'S PICKS  —  General manager David Stearns …