Breaking: New York Yankees Closer Mariano Rivera Injured Knee During BP

Published: 3^rd May 12 6:56 pm

by Eric Haftel
Eric Haftel

RANT It!

Breaking: New York Yankees Closer Mariano Rivera Injured Knee During BP

Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE

New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera was carted off the field at Kauffman Stadium on Thursday after suffering a twisted right knee injury shagging fly balls during batting practice.

Take a look at the video here:

The YES Network is reporting he has a twisted knee and will be undergoing an MRI during the game. It looked a lot worse from the video.

Witnesses said Rivera was “writhing in pain” after the injury, which occurred from running into the wall after a long fly hit by Jayson Nix (who was just called up today).

Rivera, the all-time saves leader with 608, regularly shags fly balls in center field during batting practice.

Immediately all the Yankees appeared to stop what they were doing and look at Mariano in the outfield. It was as if time stopped for a moment. The only time people somewhat relaxed was when Mo was riding the cart off the field and gave a smile to his teammates.

Head athletic trainer Steve Donohue was riding with Rivera, who was gingerly helped into the clubhouse and did not appear able to put pressure on his injured leg.

@nate_bukaty

It is actually truly amazing how fast news spread about Mo. He is currently one of the top things trending on Twitter.

Mo is the New York Yankees. Without him, there is no team. Honestly, just imagine it being the ninth inning and the Yanks are up by one. Now imagine anyone but Mo coming in. Guess what, you can’t!

Rivera was last on the disabled list in 2003, when he began the year on the DL with a groin strain. He has been remarkably durable, relying largely on his cut fastball to make at least 60 appearances in 14 seasons, also a major league record.

Mo has been fantastic as usual this season, going 1-1 with five saves in six chances. He also is sporting an era of 2.16 with a sweet 8:2 k:bb ratio. The fact that he already has 2 walks is actually surprising.

Every Yankee fan is feeling what the team is feeling, unsure and worried. If Mo is hurt and will miss any extended time, look for D avid Robertson to take his place. Robertson is the Yanks future closer, but Yanks fans had hope that it would be much farther in the future.

Robertson has looked unhittable this season. He comes into Thursday with an 18:3 k:bb ratio in just 11 innings. WOW, 18 strikeouts in just 11 innings. If you think that is good, he also hasn’t allowed a run yet.

Let’s just hope he is ok. A twisted right knee is best-case scenario.

UPDATE: The worst has been confirmed. Mariano Rivera has a torn ACL and will be lost for the season. He will be back next season however. I wish him the best moving forward. I am still in complete shock.