MLB

BANGED-UP CLEMENS WON’T MISS HIS START

Roger Clemens is banged up, but the Yankees expect him to still make his scheduled start tomorrow against the Mariners.

The 45-year-old pitcher suffered inflammation in his right elbow after Wednesday’s victory over the Red Sox. He also has blisters on his right foot which are bothering him.

“Roger is dealing with stuff,” Yankees manager Joe Torre said. “I’m sure he’s dealt for years (because of) the fact that he’s still pitching and he does what he does. He’s still on target.”

Torre seemed reluctant to talk about Clemens’ injuries, taking a long pause when asked about the specifics. He did not mention the elbow.

“The foot is the biggest problem,” Torre said.

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Torre pulled rookie RHP Phil Hughes aside yesterday to give him a vote of confidence after Hughes’ third straight poor outing Friday night. The Devil Rays roughed Hughes up for five runs, four earned, and seven hits in 41/3 innings. Hughes struggled with his control, something he never did in the minor leagues.

“I don’t think he’s been aggressive,” Torre said. “You have to understand this young man has not had anything negative professionally happen to him. This is all part of the growing process.”

Torre said he believes the problems are more mental than physical or mechanical.

“His stuff is fine when he trusts it,” Torre said.

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RHP Ian Kennedy became the eighth rookie to start a game for the Yankees this season, tying a franchise record for most rookie starters in a season set in 1907, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Kennedy joins Kei Igawa, Darrell Rasner, Chase Wright, Jeff Karstens, Phil Hughes, Matt DeSalvo and Tyler Clippard.

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Infielder Alberto Gonzalez, who entered yesterday’s game in the eighth at shortstop, RHP Jose Veras and 1B Doug Mientkiewicz were added to the active roster. . . . Mike Mussina, who skipped a start yesterday, threw a bullpen session Friday. . . . RHP Joba Chamberlain served the final day of his two-game suspension. He is available to pitch today. . . . The Yankees designated minor league OF Kevin Thompson for assignment yesterday to make room for Mientkiewicz on the 40-man roster.

brian.costello@nypost.com