Yankees' Cashman Mum On Rivera Complication, Says Target Is 2013
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- It seems fans who hoped Mariano Rivera could return from a torn right ACL late this season are in for a disappointment.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed there was a complication with Rivera's latest examinations, but wouldn't go into details on the matter. What he did say, however, should calm the worst-case fears of the Bronx faithful.
"It's something I think Mo will talk to you guys about," Cashman said Tuesday. "It doesn't affect anything for next year."
Team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad at New York Presbyterian Hospital and knee specialist Dr. Russell Warren at the Hospital for Special Surgery both consulted with Rivera in New York on Monday. Fernando Cuza, Rivera's agent, said his client also saw Dr. David Altchek, who was the man behind the surgical mask for the closer's shoulder surgery in 2008.
The visits were expected to result in a surgery date, but instead Rivera's doctors ran into the yet-to-be divulged complication. But no worries, Cashman said, the injury is correctable.
"At a date yet to be scheduled, they'll have surgery and fix it," Cashman said. "He'll go through the rehab process and we'll have the player next year."
It was speculated the 42-year-old would call it a career after tearing his right ACL while shagging fly balls last week in Kansas City. But Rivera swiftly responded, vowing to make a healthy return in 2013.
Some even thought MLB's all-time saves leader could possibly return for the Yankees' stretch run this year. Cashman all but ruled it out Tuesday.
"It's all about next year," he said.
Do you think Mo will be back to his vintage self next season? Sound off below...
