Roger Clemens will not pitch for Astros in 2012 [UPDATED]

UPDATE, 11:10 p.m.: Roger Clemens told Fox 26 in Houston that he will not pitch for the Houston Astros in 2012. 

"I can tell you right now and they would know too, that if I was going to go do it, I am going to pitch against a contender, that's who I want to knock out," Clemens said.

"Why would I want to waste my time running around and getting in shape. I get over to Minute Maid (Park), I'll crank it up and get it over 90 for a contender. We'll knock them right out of the playoffs. That would be the fun. Pitching against somebody that's not in contention wouldn't be any fun for me.

Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow had said Monday that the team does not expect to start Clemens this season, MLB.com beat writer Brian McTaggart reported via Twitter. But owner owner Jim Crane said there was still a possibility.

The 50-year-old Clemens made headlines recently when he announced a comeback to play for the Sugar Land Skeeters of the independent Atlantic League. He impressed in his first start with the Skeeters, touching 88 mph on the radar gun.

But he admitted after another good start last Friday that he probably wouldn't see the majors this season. He left open, however, a door for the future.

"At this point I don't see that happening, because I just know my recovery time right now,'' he said regarding pitching for Houston this season. "And I think I've pushed my body and shoulder to where it needs to be.'' "I would have to get ready,'' Clemens added. "It would be fun. There's no reason why I couldn't do it next year.''