Astros Announce Dierker Will Return as Manager

Larry Dierker, who led the Houston Astros to three consecutive NL Central titles before this season’s demise, will return next season as manager.

Before Saturday night’s game against Milwaukee, the Astros announced Dierker would be back. He has two years remaining on his contract.

The Astros, who traded pitcher Mike Hampton and center fielder Carl Everett in the off-season and then lost closer Billy Wagner because of injury, faded to fourth-place this season.

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The Philadelphia Phillies are set to fire manager Terry Francona after today’s season finale at Florida, according to a television report. WCAU-TV reported that general manager Ed Wade would dismiss Francona following the last game. Wade declined to comment on the matter. . . . Pitcher Mike Sirotka of the Chicago White Sox had hoped his next session in the bullpen would be a warm-up for his start in Game 1 of the playoffs. Instead, he’ll throw on the side today to test his sore elbow and see if he’ll be able to pitch.