Roger Clemens won in his return from a suspension, in the process becoming the ninth major-league to strike out at least 1,000 batters for two teams in the Yankees’ 5-2 victory over the Tigers on Saturday.
Clemens struck out Curtis Granderson swinging in the third inning to record his 1,000th strikeout as a Yankee. Clemens also had 2,590 strikeouts with the Red Sox.
“Roger’s still capable of striking guys out,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said.
Clemens (5-5) struck out a season-high eight and picked up his 353rd career win despite giving up 10 hits. He was working on 10 days’ rest after serving a five-game suspension for hitting Alex Rios in the back with a pitch Aug. 7 in Toronto.
Extra innings
Devil Rays minor-league pitcher James Houser was suspended 50 games for violating baseball’s drug policy. The left-hander is 5-4 with a 3.65 ERA in 20 starts this season at Double-A Montgomery. … Astros slugger Carlos Lee left Saturday night’s game against the Padres in the third inning with a strained right hip flexor. He was listed as day to day. … The Rangers put right-handed reliever Willie Eyre on the disabled list to make room for starter Kameron Loe. … The Athletics called up outfielder Dee Brown to give them some depth after center fielder Travis Buck injured his left hamstring during Friday’s 9-2 loss to the Royals.
