Clemens Might Be Out for the Season

Boston right-hander Roger Clemens will not make his scheduled start against the New York Yankees on Sunday, and is uncertain to pitch for the rest of the season.

Clemens has been sidelined since Sept. 4 with severe tendinitis in his shoulder, but after a week of light throwing, the Red Sox penciled him in to start again. Boston is tied with Toronto for first place in the American League East after holding a 6 1/2-game lead the last time Clemens pitched.

“He believes we’re doing the right thing, as much as he wants to go out there,” said Red Sox manager Joe Morgan, who named left-hander Tom Bolton (9-4 to start Sunday’s game. Morgan announced the change following Boston’s 5-2 loss to New York on Saturday.

Clemens is 20-6 with 1.98 earned-run average in 30 starts, including 11-3 after Boston losses.

Dr. Arthur Pappas put Clemens on medication and a light exercise program. Clemens threw for the first time last week in Chicago, playing catch.

He threw from the mound last weekend, then tested his arm by throwing 80 hard pitches on Tuesday in Baltimore. Clemens pronounced himself ready, and Morgan and pitching coach Bill Fischer agreed. Pappas gave the tentative OK on Thursday.

Pappas said Clemens would not risk any permanent harm by returning. However, the doctor said the tendinitis could return. Since Clemens last pitched, the Red Sox are 6-11.