Clemens Taken Deep [J. Mark English]

Jeffrey McMurray-

A pitching legend, pitching as a Legend, began his latest comeback Tuesday night on an unfamiliar mound in the low minor leagues with - what else? - a strikeout.

Roger Clemens showed pinpoint control and a sharp fastball during his tuneup for the Houston Astros' Class-A Lexington Legends. Playing alongside his son, Koby, he gave up a long home run but otherwise looked like his old self in three innings of work against the Lake County Captains, a Cleveland Indians affiliate.

"I wouldn't expect really any soreness whatsoever," Clemens said. "My arm is great. ... One step down, two to go."

Next up is probably a start Sunday at Double-A Corpus Christi, Texas, followed by another one June 16 at Triple-A Round Rock, Texas. The Rocket could be pitching in the big leagues by June 22 against Minnesota.

The 43-year-old Clemens is accustomed to facing the likes of Yankees center fielder Johnny Damon, but it was Captains center fielder Johnny Drennen who took him deep Tuesday night.