Yankees closer Rivera to have surgery

Sep 29, 2008 - 7:55 PM BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera has decided to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi confirmed Monday that Rivera will have the procedure soon to remove some calcification over the AC joint.

Girardi said the injury does not appear to be serious, and the 38-year-old Rivera is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in February.

Rivera caused a scare when he returned to New York on Thursday to undergo an MRI on the shoulder, but he rejoined the Yankees the following day in the Boston for their season-ending series against the Red Sox.

Rivera recorded four outs in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader, saving Mike Mussina's 20th win.

Despite his age, Rivera had another productive season in his 12th year as New York's closer. He registered 39 of his 40 save opportunities while posting a 6-5 record and a 1.40 ERA, the second-lowest of his career.

Earlier in the season, Rivera passed Lee Smith for second on baseball's all-time saves list. He enters next season needing 18 saves to join Trevor Hoffman (554) as the only closers with 500 saves.

For the first time in his career, Rivera will miss the playoffs, as the Yankees' 13-year postseason run ended this season.