The Associated Press

CHICAGO - Chicago Cubs reliever LaTroy Hawkins began a three-game suspension Friday after his appeal was rejected. His fine was reduced from $3,000 to $2,000.

After giving up a tiebreaking homer in the ninth to St. Louis' Albert Pujols on July 20 at Wrigley Field, Hawkins was ejected after he yelled at plate umpire Tim Tschida as he walked to the dugout. The reliever had to be restrained by manager Dusty Baker and Cubs coaches.

Hawkins' feud with the umpire dates to 2002 when, while with the Twins, Hawkins was ejected by Tschida in a disagreement over the positioning of a chair in the bullpen.

Hawkins, the Cubs' closer, has 17 saves in 21 chances.

ASTROS: Manager Phil Garner was suspended for Friday night's game at Montreal because of a run-in last week with umpire Brian Knight. Garner was ejected after arguing a call during the Expos-Astros game in Houston last Saturday.

MARLINS: Outfielder Wil Cordero was acquitted of drunken driving in a December accident in Medina, Ohio. Cordero, a former Cleveland player, testified his poor sense of direction, not wine he drank earlier, caused him to be confused, and he was found guilty of failing to maintain a clear distance and fined $100 plus court costs.

GIANTS: Shortstop Neifi Perez, who hit .232 with two home runs and 33 RBI in 103 games, was released. The Giants recalled right-hander Kevin Correia from Triple-A Fresno.

"We just felt we needed to add an arm," manager Felipe Alou said.

ROYALS: Kansas City claimed right-handed pitcher Matt Kinney, who was 3-4 with a 5.78 ERA in 32 games for Milwaukee this season, off waivers and designated catcher Mike Tonis for assignment.

ORIOLES: Catcher Ken Huckaby cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Ottawa.