Hargrove Gets Extension

Cleveland Indian Manager Mike Hargrove, whose team has had the best record in baseball in three-plus seasons, got a long-awaited contract extension despite the team’s early struggles this year.

Hargrove, 47, in his sixth full season as Indian manager, received a two-year extension, with a club option for 2000.

Hargrove is 466-396 (.541) since he was hired in 1991. His mark of 434-343 since 1992 is the best in the American League.

Despite his record, speculation began to swirl regarding Hargrove’s future because his contract was set to expire at the end of the season. Cleveland’s 17-18 start did nothing to quell the rumors.

“I’m relieved,” Hargrove said. “There were some things family-wise that were put on hold while we saw how things would go.”

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Texas Ranger designated hitter Mickey Tettleton will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in the next few days, the club announced.

Tettleton batted .086 in 10 games before injuring the knee April 15 and has been on the disabled list since April 18.

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Seattle Manager Lou Piniella said that struggling starter Dennis Martinez will get at least two more chances to straighten himself out.

That’s what Martinez said he hoped for after a poor outing Sunday against Baltimore that dropped him to 1-3 this season with a 6.75 earned-run average.

“Martinez is going to pitch Friday against Baltimore and we have another start planned for him in Anaheim on Wednesday. Then, we’ll see where we’re at with him,” Piniella said.

Piniella also said Scott Sanders would replace Bob Wolcott in the starting rotation.

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Reliever Mitch Williams was given his unconditional release by the Kansas City Royals. Williams was was 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA in seven games. The Royals replaced him with left-hander Allen McDill, who was called up from triple-A Omaha.