Harper’s ban cut by a game

Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper agreed to drop his appeal of a four-game suspension and had one game shaved from the punishment.

Harper reached the agreement Wednesday with Major League Baseball and begin serving the suspension immediately.

The punishment stemmed from a bench-clearing brawl on Monday after Harper was hit by a 98-mph fastball from San Francisco Giants reliever Hunter Strickland. There was no word on Strickland, who received a sixgame suspension and also had planned to appeal.

Castillo placed on DL

The Baltimore Orioles placed catcher Welington Castillo on the 10-day disabled list with a testicular injury.

Castillo spent time in the emergency room Tuesday night after being hurt in the ninth inning of an 8-3 loss to the New York Yankees.

The freak injury occurred when a pitch that hit New York’s Didi Gregorius ricocheted downward and struck Castillo between the legs.

Etc.

The New York Mets fired their mascot, Mr. Met, after the employee was seen on video making an obscene gesture to a fan during a 7-1 loss to the visiting Milwaukee Brewers . ... Chicago White Sox broadcaster Ken “Hawk” Harrelson said he would retire after working 20 games next year in his 34th season in the booth.