Clemens’ debut may be May 28
Roger Clemens could pitch for the New York Yankees as early as May 28 in Toronto.
“I think anything is possible,” said Clemens, who’s expected to make the first of two minor league starts Friday. “If I come out of the first two decent, they’ll pull me aside, and we’ll all visit about that for sure. I don’t think it’s out of the question.”
Just two starts in the minors would pit the 44-year-old against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 28 or 29. The next time through the rotation would have Clemens pitching at A.L. East-leading Boston on June 2 or 3.
“The Yankees called up Ron Villone to strengthen their overworked bullpen, and optioned lefty Sean Henn to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
“Yankees DH Jason Giambi might have a solution for his aching left heel. He went to an orthopedic specialist in Los Angeles to get some new shoe inserts to alleviate the pain caused by a bone spur in the heel.
Bonds won’t respond
Barry Bonds said he’s “too old” to respond to Curt Schilling’s critical comments.
A week ago, Schilling criticized Bonds on a radio talk show, saying the slugger has admitted using steroids and cheating on his wife and his taxes. The Boston Red Sox ace apologized to Bonds on his blog the next day.
“I’m too old for childish activities,” Bonds said before the Giants opened a three-game series in Houston.
Clearing the bases
Cincinnati called up reliever Marcus McBeth and catcher Chad Moeller from Triple-A Louisville. … Texas placed pitcher Kevin Millwood on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury. Reliever Ron Mahay was put on the DL with a strained muscle in his ribcage. The team recalled pitchers Scott Feldman and A.J. Murray from Triple-A Oklahoma. … Atlanta activated closer Bob Wickman from the 15-day DL and optioned reliever Kevin Barry to Triple-A Richmond. … The proposed sale of the Atlanta Braves from Time Warner Inc. to Liberty Media Corp. is likely to be approved today by baseball owners. … Washington activated right-handed pitcher Jerome Williams from the 15-day DL so he could start against Atlanta Tuesday – and then he promptly went down with another injury in the third inning. … Oakland placed closer Huston Street on the DL with nerve irritation in his right elbow. The move is retroactive to last Sunday and the A’s called up right-hander Connor Robertson from Triple-A Sacramento. … Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee remained in Chicago with neck spasms and sat out his second consecutive game against the New York Mets.