YANKEE NOTES
Derek Jeter and his cranky left hamstring will be stuffed into an MRI tube today in order to determine just how severe the injury is.
Jeter, who was examined by team doctor Stuart Hershon yesterday, left Tuesday night’s game in Toronto after one inning when the hamstring felt tight. He felt a cramp in the leg running the bases Monday but the cramp eventually went away.
Sending Jeter for an MRI isn’t an indication the Yankees think the injury is more serious than first expected. And not doing it yesterday doesn’t mean Hershon found something. In the case of muscle problems, an MRI isn’t done in the first 48 hours following the injury.
Yesterday’s exam was routine and didn’t necessitate Hershon contacting GM Brian Cashman.
Wednesday, Cashman said Jeter wouldn’t play at least until Monday. However, if Jeter needs more time the Yankees are going to give it to him. It’s not out of the question Jeter won’t return until the Yankees leave St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field on Sept. 17 since the infield and outfield are covered with artificial turf. The infield has dirt.
Having a 10 game lead over the Red Sox after Boston’s 6-4 loss to the Indians last night, helps the Yankees take as much time with Jeter as they need. Having Enrique Wilson playing well in the field and at the plate also helps.
It’s likely that Roger Clemens will take the mound Monday night against the Red Sox. Joe Torre said he will make that decision today based on how Clemens came out of Wednesday night’s 4-3 win in Toronto.
If Clemens (19-1) is on the hill, he will be trying to extend the Yankees’ record for consecutive wins to 16. Clemens hasn’t lost since May 20 in Seattle.
Clemens’ .950 winning percentage is the best ever by a pitcher with 20 decisions. Clemens owns the longest AL winning streak, having won 20 from 1998-99. The major-league record is 24 straight, set by Carl Hubbell in 1936-37.
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With 44 saves, Mariano Rivera is two away from Dave Righetti’s club record of 46 in 1986 and one away from his own career high of 45 set in 1999.
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ROCKETING TO THE TOP: (chart)
By winning his 19th game of the season Wednesday against the Blue Jays, Roger Clemens moved to the top of the all-time list for highest winning percentage for a pitcher with 20 or more decisions:
NameYearWLPct.
Roger Clemens2001191.950
Greg Maddux1995192.905
Randy Johnson1995182.900
Ron Guidry1978253.893
Lefty Grove1931314.886
Preacher Roe1951223.888
Elias Sports Bureau