Reliever Leskanic Is Traded to Royals

The Kansas City Royals, looking for help in their first playoff race in 10 years, acquired right-handed reliever Curtis Leskanic from the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.

The American League Central leaders got Leskanic and cash for right-hander Wes Obermueller and infielder Alejandro Machado.

“As we look to August and September, the bullpen’s going to be very important,” General Manager Allard Baird said.

Leskanic is in his 10th season. He was 4-0 with a 2.70 earned-run average in 26 games for the Brewers.

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Boston signed Todd Jones to bolster its struggling bullpen.

Jones, 35, was released by Colorado last week with $1.54 million remaining on his contract.

The former All-Star is 1-4 with an 8.24 ERA in 33 appearances this season.

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Arizona ace Randy Johnson’s scheduled rehabilitation start tonight for triple-A Tucson has been canceled.

Diamondback Manager Bob Brenly said Johnson was throwing well off the mound but was not comfortable fielding his position.

“All the reports have been good concerning his arm and knee,” Brenly said. “We don’t want to put him into a position where he is throwing well, his knee feels well and he comes off the mound to field a bunt and has something bad happen.”

The five-time Cy Young Award winner underwent arthroscopic surgery two months ago.

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New York Yankee center fielder Bernie Williams will begin a rehabilitation stint Friday with double-A Trenton (N.J.).

It was not immediately clear how long Williams would play for Trenton before rejoining the Yankees.

Williams, a four-time All-Star, is recovering from surgery after tearing cartilage in his left knee May 21 at Boston.

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The Cleveland Indians will keep their spring training site at Winter Haven, Fla., until at least 2008.

The Indians signed a five-year contract extension with Chain of Lakes Park. The former agreement would have expired in October.