Chicago ? Cleveland ace Cliff Lee was scratched from his scheduled start in today’s regular-season finale against the Chicago White Sox because of a stiff neck. It could prove to be a big break for the White Sox, who are battling Minnesota for the AL Central title.

Lee, who is 22-3 with a 2.54 earned-run average, said he started to feel some discomfort two days before his start against Boston on Sept. 23, when he gave up five runs and nine hits in seven innings. He said the soreness has increased the last few days.