BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Gibson Plans Retirement After Waiver

Kirk Gibson, acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates during spring training to help fill the void created by Bobby Bonilla’s departure, was placed on waivers Monday and said he probably will retire.

Gibson, 34, who starred in the 1984 World Series for the Detroit Tigers and the 1988 Series for the Dodgers, said he wasn’t surprised and doesn’t expect another team to pick him up by Thursday’s deadline. He was hitting .196 with two homers and five RBIs in 16 games for Pittsburgh.

Defending American League batting champion Julio Franco, bothered by a sore right knee, was placed on the disabled list for the second time this season before the Texas Rangers’ game against Baltimore. . . . The Montreal Expos designated catcher Gilberto Reyes for assignment on Monday, a day after he completed drug rehabilitation.