updated 5:55 p.m. ET March 23, 2005

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Roger Clemens tested his strained right hamstring in a simulated game Wednesday and impressed his Houston teammates.

Clemens threw 90 pitches before the Astros played the Philadelphia Phillies. He didn’t speak with the media after his first outing since injuring his hamstring Friday against Detroit, but catcher Brad Ausmus said Clemens looked ready for game action.

“I think he actually could have pitched (against Philadelphia) today,” Ausmus said. “But I’m not on the medical staff. I think they decided to err on the side of caution and just have him throw the simulated game, but he’s fine.”

Outfielder Lance Berkman, who is recovering from surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right knee, faced Clemens.

“Even when I’m perfectly healthy, it’s hard to get around him,” said Berkman, who isn’t scheduled to return until the end of April. “His stuff looks really good. I know he’s still trying to work on some things, like his breaking pitches, but he looks like he’s had no ill-effects from the hamstring.”

Earlier in the week, Clemens said pitching from the mound didn’t cause him any discomfort, but that making moves, such as fielding bunts and covering first base, did. He didn’t do either of those during the simulated game.

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