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Moriarty9 · 07-28-2009, 10:07 AM

Clemens makes final rehab start
The Rocket to relaunch in big leagues next week
July 22, 2005

AKRON, Ohio — The next time Roger Clemens steps onto a pitcher's mound, it will be at Tropicana Field for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Clemens, 42, made his final rehab start in the minor leagues tonight, and will soon join the Devil Rays. The Rocket threw 108 pitches, 74 for strikes, giving up three runs on seven hits and one walk, striking out five in seven innings in a AAA game tonight.

While it is certain that Clemens will make his next start with the biug club — his first MLB game since suffering a back injury July 15 of last year — it is uncertain which date he will make his Tampa Bay debut, and whose spot in the rotation he will take.

"We certainly have some decisions to make," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "We're going to watch Roger over the next couple days, see how he bounces back from this latest rehab game and that'll determine whether he throws Wednesday against Boston or Thursday against Kansas City. If he needs the extra day of rest, we'll give it to him."

With the current rotation, rookie pitcher John Lackey is pencilled in against the Red Sox on Wednesday, while southpaw Barry Zito is slotted for Thursday's game against the Royals. Sources suggest Lackey, 5-0 with a 3.00 ERA, will remain in the rotation, as will Pedro Martinez and John Stephens. That would leave Zito (7-6, 4.44 ERA) and rookie Zack Greinke (5-1, 4.78 ERA) in a battle to see who remains in the starting rotation. Zito is the only lefty in the rotation, with Brian Fuentes the only left-hander in the bullpen.

While someone loses a spot in the rotation when Clemens joins the team, it also means someone loses a spot on the roster. Joe Fontenot (0-0, 1 save, 4.97 ERA in 50 2/3 innings) is one candidate to return to the minor leagues. Kerry Wood (6-7, 2 saves, 5.22 ERA in 19 games, 15 starts) has been vocally upset about being bumped from the rotation and, as a potential free agent, is being shopped around by the Devil Rays front office. Any potential transaction involving Wood may free a roster spot for Clemens.

07-28-2009, 10:07 AM	#466 (permalink)
Moriarty9 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,858 Thanks: 10 Thanked 3x in 3 posts	Clemens makes final rehab start The Rocket to relaunch in big leagues next week July 22, 2005 AKRON, Ohio — The next time Roger Clemens steps onto a pitcher's mound, it will be at Tropicana Field for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Clemens, 42, made his final rehab start in the minor leagues tonight, and will soon join the Devil Rays. The Rocket threw 108 pitches, 74 for strikes, giving up three runs on seven hits and one walk, striking out five in seven innings in a AAA game tonight. While it is certain that Clemens will make his next start with the biug club — his first MLB game since suffering a back injury July 15 of last year — it is uncertain which date he will make his Tampa Bay debut, and whose spot in the rotation he will take. "We certainly have some decisions to make," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "We're going to watch Roger over the next couple days, see how he bounces back from this latest rehab game and that'll determine whether he throws Wednesday against Boston or Thursday against Kansas City. If he needs the extra day of rest, we'll give it to him." With the current rotation, rookie pitcher John Lackey is pencilled in against the Red Sox on Wednesday, while southpaw Barry Zito is slotted for Thursday's game against the Royals. Sources suggest Lackey, 5-0 with a 3.00 ERA, will remain in the rotation, as will Pedro Martinez and John Stephens. That would leave Zito (7-6, 4.44 ERA) and rookie Zack Greinke (5-1, 4.78 ERA) in a battle to see who remains in the starting rotation. Zito is the only lefty in the rotation, with Brian Fuentes the only left-hander in the bullpen. While someone loses a spot in the rotation when Clemens joins the team, it also means someone loses a spot on the roster. Joe Fontenot (0-0, 1 save, 4.97 ERA in 50 2/3 innings) is one candidate to return to the minor leagues. Kerry Wood (6-7, 2 saves, 5.22 ERA in 19 games, 15 starts) has been vocally upset about being bumped from the rotation and, as a potential free agent, is being shopped around by the Devil Rays front office. Any potential transaction involving Wood may free a roster spot for Clemens.