Yankees' Rivera Near Full Health, Ready To Begin Throwing
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - After last year's devastating ACL injury, the sight of Mariano Rivera throwing will be a comforting image for Yankee fans. It's something they'll see in the near future when the Yankees' legendary closer begins throwing in about a week.
Rivera's 2012 season ended when he tore his ACL while taking fielding practice in Kansas City. At one point, it looked like the injury would be career-ending. Now, he's looking forward to the opportunity of leaving the game on his own terms. Whether that's after this season or not, only Rivera knows.
He told Brian Hoch of MLB.com that his knee is now "95 percent" and he plans to begin throwing in about a week.
Rivera agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract plus incentives with the Yankees earlier this offseason. He earned $15 million in 2012.
Before the injury, the 43-year-old saved five of six save save opportunities last season. His 2012 ERA was 2.16 with a 0.96 WHIP and eight strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings.
The Yankees will need Rivera to be at his best after Rafael Soriano left the team after choosing to opt out of his remaining contract and pursue free agency. Soriano remains unsigned.
Do you expect Mo to pick up right where he left off and resume his ninth inning greatness? Let us know...
