Cleveland Delays the Inevitable

The Cleveland Indians avoided becoming the first American League team to lose 1,000 games to one opponent by defeating the New York Yankees, 5-2, at Cleveland.

The Yankees lead the 97-year-old series, 999-805. The teams begin a three-game series Friday in New York.

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The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms with first-round pick Jason Dellaero. Terms were not disclosed, but a team official said the shortstop will receive the highest signing bonus ever given a White Sox draft pick. Dellaero will report to Sarasota, Fla., before being assigned to a Class A team.

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Yankee center fielder Bernie Williams took batting practice at the club’s Tampa, Fla., training complex. Williams is on the 15-day disabled list because of a pulled hamstring.

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The Kansas City Royals put left-handed pitcher Glendon Rusch on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 16, because of a swollen lymph node under his left arm.

The Royals replaced Rusch on the roster with outfielder Jon Nunnally, who was recalled from triple-A Omaha and started in right field for the Royals against Milwaukee on Sunday.

Nunnally, who spent parts of the 1995 and 1996 seasons in the majors, is batting .278 with 15 home runs and 33 RBIs for Omaha. Rusch was 3-4 with a 5.70 earned-run average in 12 starts for the Royals.