Roger Clemens ended his seven-month retirement by accepting a deal that will pay him approximately $14 million -- the pro-rated value of a $21 million seasonal contract -- to pitch for the Astros for the balance of the current season. The decision came after months of soul searching by Clemens and weeks of waiting by the Astros, Yankees and Red Sox, who had tendered offers to the right-hander in recent weeks. The Rangers were also in the hunt until they were informed on Friday that they were no longer in the running for Clemens. Clemens' arrival couldn't come at a better time for the Astros, who have lost 18 of their last 22 games. Houston's offense has been inconsistent but the Astros are also in dire need of more pitching.