TORONTO – After going through a pair of easy throwing sessions in Texas this past weekend, Roger Clemens is set to test his balky right elbow with bullpen sessions at Rogers Centre this week.
“He threw two light sides and will throw full sides in Toronto,” GM Brian Cashman said of the 45-year-old Clemens, who hasn’t pitched since Sept. 3 due to inflammation in his right elbow, which was treated with a cortisone shot on Sept. 5 in Houston.
Cashman said when Clemens throws in the bullpen will be determined by Joe Torre and pitching coach Ron Guidry, but the GM guessed Clemens would throw today and Thursday. If those sessions go well, Clemens would be on schedule to start Sunday in Fenway Park against the AL East-leading Red Sox.
Clemens’ activity in Texas during the weekend was shrouded in secrecy. Not even Torre had heard from his No. 3 starter as late as 5 p.m. Sunday in Kansas City after the Yankees completed a three-game sweep of the Royals. Earlier in the day, close friend Andy Pettitte said he thought Clemens threw Saturday, but hadn’t heard that he actually did. Clemens, 6-6 with a 4.45 ERA in 17 games (16 starts) lasted four innings in his last start against the Mariners and gave up five runs and eight hits.
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According to Cashman, his medical staff told him Sunday that Derek Jeter‘s stiff right knee isn’t a serious problem.
“They said it wasn’t serious and that he would benefit from (yesterday) a day off,” Cashman said.
Not liking the way Jeter was moving around Friday night and seeing Jeter flex the hinge several times in the field, Torre lifted Jeter in the fifth inning and didn’t play him Sunday. So, with two days off, Torre expects Jeter to return tonight. Whether it will be as the designated hitter or shortstop on Rogers Centre’s artificial turf will be determined today.
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Torre’s bullpen likely will have Luis Vizcaino back tonight. Vizcaino, who hasn’t pitched since Sept. 4 due to a tired right arm, made progress during the weekend in Kansas City.
Joba Chamberlain is eligible to work since his last outing was Friday night.
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Jason Giambi’s body feels good. He has been playing well at first base. But his bat has been frigid. Giambi is in a 3-for-16 (.186) slide and since coming off the disabled list Aug. 7 is in a brutal 13-for-65 (.200) slump.