Reports: Brewers pitching coach joins Bell’s staff in Cincinnati

Johnson led a pitching staff in Milwaukee that ranked fourth in the National League in ERA (3.73) in 2018. He spent three seasons with the Brewers.

Brewers General Manager David Stearns confirmed the departure of Johnson.

"Obviously, we value D.J.," Stearns told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "D.J. did a tremendous job with us and helped us a lot over the last three years. Sometimes, this happens as an organization has success. Other clubs take notice and when they get an opportunity, they go after some of your people."

Prior to to joining the Brewers, Johnson worked as a minor-league pitching coordinator for the Chicago Cubs from 2013-15. From 2002-12, Johnson was the pitching coach at Vanderbilt University. He also coached at Eastern Illinois University (1994), Southern Illinois University (1995-97) and Stetson University (1998-2001).