Yankees Trade Rumors: Roger Clemens on New York’s Radar? Pitcher Could be Eyeing Return to MLB

Roger Clemens is returning to the baseball diamond for the first time in five years.

The pitcher has signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters, which plays in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He is set to make a start on Aug. 25 in Houston.

At 50 years old, Clemens returns to the field just two months after he was acquitted of perjury charges. His agent Randy Hendricks says the starter can still throw 87 mph.

Clemens says he's not looking to make a comeback in the MLB, but he could be looking to make a return to the majors. He has come out of retirement multiple times, and he might have tried to play in the majors again if it hadn't been for his steroids scandal.

The list of teams that would take a chance on Clemens is likely very small. Is there any chance that the Yankees could bring back Clemens one more time?

New York could certainly use some help in the rotation. The Yankees top two starters have battled injuries all season long. Andy Pettitte hasn't pitched in two months with a broken ankle, and could be done for the year with another setback. C.C. Sabathia is on the disabled list for the second time in 2012.

Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia have both struggled, pitching to a 4.92 and 4.96 ERA, respectively.

ESPN's Karl Ravech believes that Clemens will pitch in the MLB at some point his year.

"IMO, barring injury, Roger Clemens will pitch in majors this season," Ravech tweeted. "Don't believe for a second this is just for fun."

It wouldn't be impossible to see the Yankees give Clemens a start or two before the season is over. He would certainly have to prove that he can still get the job done, but New York is having a hard time getting good performances from its current group of starters.

If Clemens were to don the pinstripes, he likely won't be able to pitch for the Yankees in the playoffs. He would have to sign with the team before Sept. 1 in order to be eligible for the postseason roster.

Throughout his career, Clemens had had a tough time staying away from the game. He last came out of retirement in 2007 when he played for New York. He pitched to a 4.73 ERA in 99 innings, and didn't return to action until June of that year.

While it's possible, it'd be tough to imagine Clemens making a major contribution on any team. He hasn't played professionally since he was 45, and pitching in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball might not be enough to convince teams that he can still play.

Clemens's desire to play in the MLB is probably a lot greater than the league's level of interest in bringing him back.