Roger Clemens makes his final pre-All-Star Game start Wednesday, but Yankees pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre told the Newark Star-Ledger that Clemens would be available to relieve against the Mets on Saturday or Sunday if either game goes extra innings.

"I'd call it more a possibility than a probability," Stottlemyre said of Clemens pitching in relief.

Either way, Stottlemyre said Clemens would be available to pitch in the All-Star Game.

Stottlemyre defended Clemens over recent criticisms that he was considering skipping the All-Star Game, saying the Yankees right-hander always intended to go if manager Joe Torre picked him.

"I heard a couple of these radio shows, and I was tempted to call in," Stottlemyre said. "I'm pretty close to Roger, and I guarantee you, at no time did he say, 'I don't want to go to the All-Star Game and I don't want to pitch.' It's so unfair.

"There were so many assumptions. How many times have pitchers said ... three days off would be great? My guess is he's probably going to be selected, and he'll be very excited to pitch."

Clemens (11-1, 3.59 ERA) is considered to be the leading choice to start for the AL, along with the Mariners' Aaron Sele, who is 8-1 with a 3.61 ERA.

All-Star pitching staffs will be announced Wednesday.