Virdon to Fill In for Dierker

Houston Manager Larry Dierker left the team Friday following the death of his father, and bench coach Bill Virdon took over for the three-game week series against the Colorado Rockies.

Dierker was in Los Angeles when his father died Friday.

Virdon, 65, is the winningest manager in Astros’ history, leading Houston to a 544-522 record in seven seasons. He also managed the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees and Montreal Expos, compiling a 995-921 record.

Virdon, who had not managed in the majors since 1984, joined the Astros in the off-season following a season as a roving minor-league outfield instructor in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ organization.

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Cincinnati’s Reggie Sanders severely sprained his right ankle while trying to break up a game-ending double play and was taken from the field on a stretcher following the Chicago Cubs’ 3-1 victory.

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Pittsburgh right-hand pitcher John Ericks had surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck and was placed on the 60-day disabled list.

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Philadelphia pitcher Mike Grace, on the disabled list since the start of the season with a right arm injury, threw four innings in a simulated game without any problems. Grace will throw on the side Sunday, then probably make two rehabilitation starts.

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Chicago called up outfielder Brant Brown from triple-A Iowa to take the spot of Brooks Kieschnick, who was optioned to Iowa.

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Cincinnati called up pitcher Brett Tomko from triple-A Indianapolis. He takes the place of closer Jeff Brantley, who went on the disabled list Tuesday.

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Colorado sold the contract of Darnell Coles to the Hanshin Tigers of the Central League in Japan.