Cleveland Indians ace Cliff Lee was scratched from his scheduled start in the regular-season finale today against the host Chicago White Sox because of a stiff neck. Former Pirates pitcher Bryan Bullington (0-1) instead will pitch.

It could prove to be a big break for the White Sox, who are battling the Minnesota Twins for the American League Central Division crown.

Lee, who is 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA, said he started to feel some discomfort two days before his start against Boston Sept. 23, when he gave up five runs and nine hits in seven innings. He said the soreness has increased the past few days. Lee said the discomfort caused him to change his pitching mechanics against the Red Sox, which then increased the soreness in his neck.

The scheduled game between the New York Yankees and Boston at Fenway Park yesterday was postponed because of rain. It will be made up as part of a season-ending, day-night doubleheader today. Boston right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-2) will face Mike Mussina (19-9) in the first game at 1:35 p.m., and Tim Wakefield (10-11) will go against Sidney Ponson (8-5) at 7:35 p.m.

A man faces criminal charges for allegedly stealing a uniform from Dodger Stadium and posing as one of the team's players. Ronald Higgins pleaded not guilty to several charges, including burglary and trespassing. Higgins, 47, was arrested Wednesday morning after a security guard found him walking on the field in uniform and holding a glove with two balls. Higgins allegedly identified himself as a player, but the guard recognized him from an earlier incident and called police.