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Mariano Rivera has always been one to shag fly balls in the outfield during batting practice. He has said he hoped to play the position in a game one day before his retirement, but this routine proved to be dangerous for the 42-year-old closer Thursday night when he twisted his right knee, tearing his ACL and his meniscus.
This incident occurred right before the New York Yankees were scheduled to kick off the first of a four-game series at the Kansas City Royals.
Immediately after New York’s 4-3 loss, the Yankee veteran was asked if he will ever pitch again. The closer said he was unsure and added that his focus is on recovering first.
Rivera, baseball’s career saves leader with 608 in his 18-year career and 42 post season saves, has hinted this will be his last season. He is 1-1 with five saves and a 2.16 ERA in nine appearances this season.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi is thinking of replacing Rivera for the time being with 27 year old reliever David Robertson.
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