Clemens has final workout before his start
Thu, May 17, 2007
By Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. -- Roger Clemens spent almost four hours working out at the New York Yankees' minor league complex Thursday, one day before his first minor league start.
The seven-time Cy Young Award winner is scheduled to throw 45 to 60 pitches for Class-A Tampa on Friday night. He is also expected to work in the bullpen afterward to get his pitch count up to around 90.
More than 8,100 tickets had been sold by noon Thursday for the Florida State League game against Fort Myers at Legends Field, which seats just under 10,500.
Clemens, who didn't speak to reporters, spent 80 minutes on the field. After playing catch, the right-hander took part in fielding drills with pitchers in the Yankees' extended spring training program. He also took grounders and worked on pick-off moves on his own.
Clemens could join the Yankees after a scheduled start next week with Double-A Trenton. If he joins the Yankees after two minor league starts, the 44-year-old would pitch against the Blue Jays on May 28 or 29. The next time through the rotation would have Clemens pitching at AL East-leading Boston on June 2 or 3.
Clemens agreed to a $28,000,022, one-year contract on May 6.
Notes: RHP Phil Hughes (hamstring) had an extensive throwing session on level ground. He soon could work off a half-mound. ... LHP Kei Igawa, sent to the minors on May 7 to work on mechanics, is listed as the starting pitcher for Tampa on Saturday night. It would be his first outing in the minors.