Clemens, Cordero, Vaughn Return En Masse To Fenway

If Roger Clemens wanted to slip back into Fenway Park unnoticed, he couldn’t have picked a better time.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner called an afternoon news conference at the team hotel in Boston on Thursday to spare his teammates the hassle of tripping over reporters in the cramped visitors’ clubhouse. But by the time the team arrived at the ballpark, the greatest pitcher in modern Red Sox history was old news.

Mo Vaughn returned to the lineup for the first time since knee surgery put him on the disabled list. He went 3 for 5, including a two-run home run. It was also his first time back since a gossip column reported - and Vaughn confirmed - that he had spent part of his rehab time at a Providence, R.I., strip club.

And Red Sox outfielder Wilfredo Cordero was in uniform for the first time since counselors gave him permission to include baseball as part of his comeback from spousal abuse charges. Cordero drew heavy criticism Thursday for saying he had done nothing wrong.

Clemens, who will pitch Saturday, said he didn’t regret the decision that led him to Toronto after 13 years in Boston, accepting a three-year, $24.75 million contract at least partly because he thought the Blue Jays had a better chance to win.

“I’m happy with the decision I made. We know we can compete with the teams in front of us,” said Clemens, whose current team entered the night tied for third place, 14 games behind Baltimore. “We’re not going to throw in the towel yet.”

Justice rejoins Indians

The Cleveland Indians activated outfielder David Justice from the 15-day disabled list, bringing one of the American League’s top hitters back to the team.

Justice had been out since June 23 with a hyperextended left elbow.

He went 3 for 4 Thursday on the same day that Atlanta, the team that traded him for Kenny Lofton, placed Lofton on the 15-day disabled list because of continuing soreness in his groin.

Braves change stance on food

Baseball fans have braved the food ban long enough at Turner Field.

Take the turkey leg out of the trousers.

The Atlanta Braves announced, without further ado, that the ban on bringing food into the stadium has been lifted. The new policy is BYOB - Bring your own bites.