Fielder apologizes for shoving teammate during Monday's game

CINCINNATI -- Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder apologized Tuesday for pushing a teammate in the dugout during a loss, saying he should have done a better job of handling frustration due in part to the Brewers' losing streak.

Fielder exchanged words and twice shoved Manny Parra after the pitcher was removed for a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning of a 6-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night. The Brewers' seventh loss in nine games left them with only a half-game lead in the NL wild-card standings.

The 24-year-old Fielder was pulled away from Parra by several teammates, preventing the situation from escalating. He declined to talk about it after the game.

On Tuesday, he said there is no animosity with Parra.

"It's not like we hate each other," Fielder said. "I don't. It's just a little disagreement. I apologize for the way it went down, but I don't apologize for the passion and intensity. I definitely could have handled it a little better, but just at that moment, that's how it went down. I can't take it back. The way I handled it probably could have been dealt with better."

Wagner goes on DL

NEW YORK -- Billy Wagner was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a strained left forearm, leaving the New York Mets without their All-Star closer as they chase a playoff spot.

It's a huge blow to the Mets, even though Wagner has squandered seven of 34 save chances. No other New York pitcher had a save this season until lefty Scott Schoeneweis secured Tuesday night's 6-5 victory over San Diego.

"It's just a bad time to have to go through something like this," Wagner said.

Struggling setup man Aaron Heilman got the first shot at closing in Wagner's absence, but it didn't last long. After entering in the ninth with a four-run lead, Heilman walked his first batter on four pitches and gave up a three-run homer to Jody Gerut with one out.

Mets manager Jerry Manuel yanked Heilman, then played the percentage matchups with Joe Smith and Schoeneweis, who retired left-handed hitting Brian Giles on one pitch for his ninth major league save.

Afterward, Manuel said he wasn't sure who his closer would be going forward.

Before the game, the Mets recalled right-hander Ruddy Lugo from Class AAA New Orleans.

Wagner was placed on the DL retroactive to Sunday.

Cubs activate Wood

CHICAGO -- Cubs closer Kerry Wood was activated from the disabled list Tuesday after being sidelined for three weeks because of a blister on his right index finger.

To make room on the roster, the club designated left-hander Scott Eyre for assignment less than two months after his club-record streak of 33 consecutive scoreless appearances ended.

A National League All-Star, Wood will likely be used at least once in middle relief as a warm-up before returning to the closer role. The right-hander has a 3.02 ERA and 24 saves in 29 chances but has not pitched since July 11.

The trip to the DL was the 12th in 10 years for the former starter.

Suspensions handed out

NEW YORK -- Kansas City catcher Miguel Olivo and pitcher Zack Greinke have been suspended five games each for causing trouble in a weekend game with the Chicago White Sox.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was suspended two games and Royals manager Trey Hillman was given one game Tuesday. All four penalties also included undisclosed fines.

Olivo and Greinke appealed their suspensions.

-- The Associated Press