The New York Yankees announced Wednesday that they have claimed veteran righthander Hideo Nomo off waivers and signed him to a minor league contract. Nomo was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay last Saturday and the club had 10 days to trade him, release him or place him on waivers. Tampa Bay made the move after the 37-year-old was shelled for seven runs in just 2 2/3 innings by the Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees were in need of Nomo's arm after it was learned on Tuesday that the club would be without two starters for this week's upcoming series versus the Angels. Righthander Kevin Brown was expected to start on Thursday, but was scratched as he continues to be plagued by a chronic back injury. Carl Pavano, who is on the 15-day disabled list, also had his scheduled Saturday outing pushed back as he is recovering from a shoulder injury. Nomo (5-8), who joined Tampa Bay in spring training, has a 7.24 earned run average in 19 starts this year. His July ERA is a whopping 14.25. He has had trouble on the road, going 1-7 with a 10.32 ERA compared to 4-1 with a 3.91 ERA at home. The first Japanese-born player to play in the majors, Nomo won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1995 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His career record is 123-109.