Houston’s Williams suspended for tirade

New York — Houston manager Jimy Williams was suspended for one game and fined Friday after a tirade against umpires during a game in Atlanta last weekend.

Williams served the suspension Friday night, when the Astros played the Mets.

Williams was ejected from last Saturday’s game after umpires ruled Atlanta’s Jesse Garcia was grazed on the helmet by a pitch from Houston’s Roy Oswalt.

Plate umpire Gary Darling didn’t make a call but consulted with second-base umpire Rob Drake, who ruled Garcia had been hit, sparking a two-run eighth that tied the game 3-3.

Williams was livid, spinning away from Darling several times to go after Drake, and was ejected.

Pirates’ McClendon benched one game

San Francisco — Pittsburgh manager Lloyd McClendon was suspended for Friday night’s game against San Francisco because of his actions during a game last weekend.

McClendon was penalized for “inappropriate conduct” during the 10th inning of Sunday’s game against Los Angeles, according to Bob Watson, baseball’s vice president in charge of discipline.

McClendon, suspended for the first time in his career, was ejected by plate umpire Larry Young for arguing balls and strikes after Bobby Hill appeared to check his swing on a pitch in the dirt.

Wagner on 15-day DL because of groin

Denver — Philadelphia closer Billy Wagner was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of a strained left groin.

“It was the smart thing to do,” Wagner said. “I’m looking at a few days on the DL as opposed to injuring it again where I could miss three months.”

Wagner, a three-time All-Star who has 233 career saves, was unavailable to pitch in Thursday’s series finale at San Francisco. But he threw in the bullpen Friday.

Expos, Vidro close to $30 million extension

Phoenix — Jose Vidro is close to signing a $30 million, four-year contract extension with the Montreal Expos.

“Last week, everything worked out very good,” the All-Star second baseman said Friday night before the Expos’ game against Arizona. “It should be done pretty soon.”

Vidro, eligible for free agency after the season, told his agents earlier this year not to call unless the deal was completed. The sides have agreed on the dollars but still are negotiating language.

Leiter to miss start

Houston — New York Mets pitcher Al Leiter will miss his next scheduled start because of tendinitis in his left shoulder. Leiter (1-2) was examined Friday by team physician Dr. Andrew Rokito in New York. The left-hander had an MRI and was given a cortisone shot. He planned to rejoin the Mets in Houston today.