Report: Owner, Clemens differ on possible return to Astros

Astros owner Jim Crane and Roger Clemens seem to have different ideas about the situation in which Clemens might make a return the major leagues, according to a report by the Houston Chronicle.

Crane did not rule out the possibility of Clemens pitching for the Astros this season, but he said the Astros would not use Clemens in a game a team in playoff contention.

Asked whether Clemens might pitch at home in two weeks against the Pirates or Cardinals, both of whom are in the wild-card chase, Crane told the Chronicle, "I don't think we would consider that. I think if we did that, it would not be against a contender."

However, in a text message to the Chronicle, Clemens suggested that the only way he would consider pitching for the Astros this season is if it were against a contending team.

Responding to Crane's comments, Clemens said in a text message, "If you were going to do it ... wouldn't you want to do it against a contender and knock the contender off?"

Clemens added a smile symbol and said, "Nothing's cooking, but if there was wouldn't that be the only way to go?"

Clemens, 50, pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings on Aug. 25 and 4 2/3 scoreless innings Friday, both for the Sugar Land Skeeters.