The Houston Astros still are planning on Roger Clemens being available to pitch a possible Game 5 of the World Series, though they had no update on his health Sunday.
“I haven’t spoken to the trainers or seen him today,” pitching coach Jim Hickey said. “In terms of his availability right now, we’re going under the assumption that he’s going to be able to pitch. And if that changes, we’ll make the adjustment when the time comes.”
Clemens strained his left hamstring Saturday night in the second inning of Game 1 and left after only two innings and 54 pitches. He was walking gingerly after receiving treatment from trainers after the game and was unavailable for comment before Game 2.
If Clemens isn’t available, manager Phil Garner said his options are left-hander Wandy Rodriguez and right-hander Ezequiel Astacio.
“I am not looking at that right now,” Garner said. “If we need to use them [before then], we’ll use them.”
The Astros could also go to a three-man rotation, with Andy Pettitte, Roy Oswalt and Brandon Backe pitching the rest of the way.
“That could happen,” Hickey said. “But as I sit here, that seems a little improbable. I don’t think that’s what’s going to happen. But things change real quick, especially if you find yourself in a hole.”
