Clemens out until the playoffs

The next time Roger Clemens will pitch will be in the American League Division Series.

Clemens is "confident" he will be ready for the opening round of the postseason if the Yankees qualify. New York started play Tuesday with a magic number of one to clinch at least the AL wild-card spot.

"I fully expect to be out there," Clemens said. "I still think it's improving. A little swelling, but I ran quite a bit in the deep end of a pool to try and get that motion going. They're really going to try and just let it rest."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Clemens could have pitched Tuesday if it had been a must-win game.

"We're just playing it smart," Cashman said. "We're looking at the big picture, and giving it more time to heal. The point is he'll be better off with more time, and we'll go from there." (Source)

The earliest the Division Series could start is October 3. Clemens hasn't pitched since September 16.

Clemens better be confident he can pitch, because it would not be advantageous for the Yankees to use a spot starter in games that actually matter.