Yankees RHP Rivera to have surgery Tuesday

Oct 3, 2008 - 9:11 PM BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his sore right shoulder Tuesday.

The 38-year-old Rivera is coming off one of the best individual seasons of his career, posting 39 saves and a 1.40 ERA. But Rivera revealed late in September that he had pitched nearly the entire season in pain.

Tests revealed inflammation and calcification on top of the AC joint in the reliever's right shoulder.

"You learn how to deal with it," Rivera said. "Obviously, there are days that you won't pitch because it hurts, because it's cranky, but I'm here to pitch. I don't come here to sit down and just see what happens."

The procedure is considered relatively minor and Rivera is expected to be ready for spring training.