Clemens Is Hopeful He’ll Make His Next Start

Roger Clemens received treatment on his right groin Sunday in Toronto and the New York Yankees hope the first 15-game winner in the majors won’t skip his next start.

Clemens, who defeated the Blue Jays to win his 11th consecutive decision Saturday, left in the sixth inning because of cramping in the groin area. He reported improvement Sunday.

“He felt there was some good strength in there today,” Yankee Manager Joe Torre said. “He’ll get a couple of days of treatment and we’ll see how he is Tuesday.”

Clemens is optimistic he’ll make his next start, but he canceled a trip to his Texas home in order to get treatment at Yankee Stadium today and Tuesday.

The Yankees have today off and will keep their rotation in order, allowing Clemens and the other starters an extra day’s rest.

“We’ll probably err on the side of caution,” Torre said. “We’ll make sure he gets the treatment he needs, and then we’ll see.”

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The Texas Rangers will take no disciplinary action following a dugout argument between catcher Ivan Rodriguez and reserve outfielder Chad Curtis.

Rodriguez and Curtis had little to say about the angry words exchanged Saturday night when Rodriguez was allowed to leave during the game against Tampa Bay to attend to a family medical situation.

“It’s between me and him,” Curtis said. “We’re teammates and I’m not going to discuss another teammate through the media. There’s no issue. It should be left alone.”

Rodriguez received a phone call from his wife, Maribel, before Saturday night’s game informing the player about what the club termed a “family illness.” Rodriguez had been given permission by Manager Jerry Narron to take himself out of the game after the fifth inning.

Curtis, on the disabled list since May 3 with a pulled right hamstring, made a comment to Rodriguez about leaving the game. They argued briefly but there was no physical confrontation.

“Something happened at home and I needed to be there,” Rodriguez said.

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Tampa Bay starter Wilson Alvarez reported no problems after his second minor league rehabilitation outing. He gave up four runs and five hits in two innings for double-A Orlando against Greenville in a Southern League game at Orlando, Fla. He threw 30 of 49 pitches for strikes.