New York, NY (Sports Network) - New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera will
reportedly announce his future plans on Saturday.
According to the New York Post, Rivera is expected to retire following the
2013 season.
Rivera, baseball's all-time saves leader with 608, had given strong
indications that he was likely going to call it a career after the 2012
campaign. However, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee
while shagging fly balls during batting practice before a May 3 game against
Kansas City and missed the remainder of the season.
The 43-year-old right-hander initially said he would return for 2013 because
he did not want to go out with an injury. He then reportedly was unsure before
telling Yankees general manager Brian Cashman in November that he would indeed
come back.
Rivera has yet to pitch in a game this spring, but is expected to make his
first appearance on Saturday.
The 12-time All-Star appeared in just nine games last season and managed five
saves with a 2.16 earned run average and a 1-1 record. He had registered at
least 28 saves in 15 consecutive years prior to 2012.
Rivera has been even more dominant in the postseason, winning five World
Series titles with the Yankees while posting 42 saves and a 0.70 ERA in 141
innings over 96 games.
The Sports Network