Yankees' Rivera to undergo shoulder surgery
Sports Network | September 29, 2008
New York, NY (Sports Network) - New York Yankees star closer Mariano Rivera revealed Monday that he has decided to undergo surgery on his sore right shoulder in the offseason.
The 38-year-old pitched through discomfort throughout the 2008 campaign but was still dominant, converting 39-of-40 save opportunities and compiling a 6-5 record with a team-best 1.40 earned-run average.
After tests taken on Rivera's shoulder revealed inflammation and calcification, the reliever opted for surgery rather than a series of periodic cortisone injections.
In 14 career seasons -- all with the Yankees -- the fan favorite has appeared in 851 games, which includes 10 starts in his rookie campaign in 1995, while compiling a 68-49 record with 482 saves, good for second best all-time behind San Diego fireballer Trevor Hoffman (554).
The presumed future Hall-of-Famer is signed through the 2010 season with New York, which missed the playoffs for the first time since 1993.
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