There could be a new endgame in the latest Roger Clemens unretirement.
Astros owner Jim Crane told FOX 26 in Houston that he’s open to the idea of signing the 50-year-old, seven-time Cy Young winner who hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2007. Clemens is scheduled to pitch Saturday for the independent Sugar Land (Texas) Skeeters.
“I think the fans might like it,” Crane said. “It might be fun and certainly get a few people in the ballpark. I don’t see anything negative about that, but the Astros wouldn’t want to do it for the money, the extra gate or anything like that.”
Clemens said this week on the Dan Patrick Show that his goal in Saturday’s start was three to five innings. He said he’s not nearly in good enough shape to pitch in the big leagues but wouldn’t rule out a possible appearance in MLB. He said he’d take a break because of a family obligation after his first appearance but could pitch again for the independent league team.
The Astros entered play Friday with the worst record in baseball, some 36 1/2 games out of first in the National League Central.