GM Brian Cashman is adamant that his team can survive the season-ending knee injury to closer RHP Mariano Rivera. And the Yankees are unflinching in their prediction that he will return, possibly as early as later this season (though those expectations probably aren't realistic). Rivera announced on Friday that he will attempt to comeback and is not considering retirement at this time.
Rivera will undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL (he also tore the meniscus in the same knee) sometime next week, an operation which typically requires six months of rehabilitation to return, so it will be - and this is a huge understatement Yankees fans - a long shot for him to return this season. He has remained with the team in Kansas City. Rivera will be examined by team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad tomorrow and will then pick a surgeon to perform the procedure.
Rivera's injury has created a domino effect in the Yankee bullpen. RHP David Robertson will start closing games and RHP Rafael Soriano will remain in a setup role (though with more important innings to handle) and LHP Boone Logan and RHP Cory Wade should see more time in the middle innings. Robertson struck out the side last night against Kansas City in a non-save situation. Cashman was eating with his children in a restaurant when he got the news that Rivera was injured.
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