Phillie Closer Wagner Put on Disabled List

Philadelphia Phillie closer Billy Wagner was put on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of a strained left groin. The move was made retroactive to May 7.

“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 saves, was unavailable to pitch in Thursday’s series finale at San Francisco. But he threw in the bullpen Friday.

*

New York Met pitcher Al Leiter will sit out his next scheduled start because of tendinitis in his left shoulder. Leiter (1-2) was not put on the disabled list and is expected to pitch next weekend against Colorado.... Arizona Diamondback reliever Matt Mantei was put on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 9, because of tendinitis in his right shoulder.... The Cleveland Indians put right-hander Jeff D’Amico on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Tuesday, because of a lower back strain.

*

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. “It should be done pretty soon.�

*

Houston Manager Jimy Williams and Pittsburgh Manager Lloyd McClendon were suspended for one game for arguing with umpires in separate incidents.

Williams, who also was fined and sat out Friday’s game against the Mets, 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.

McClendon was penalized for “inappropriate conduct� during the 10th inning of Sunday’s game against the Dodgers, according to Bob Watson, baseball’s vice president in charge of discipline. McClendon sat out Friday against San Francisco.