NEW YORK (AP) — Mariano Rivera was back on the field at the Yankees’ annual Old-Timer’s Day on Saturday after tearing an Achilles tendon playing the outfield at the event last year.With former teammate Jorge Posada catching him, Rivera threw 11 pitches to four batters. The 56-year-old faced Mickey Rivers, Johnny Damon, Nick Swisher and Shane Spencer in the exhibition game, which returned last season for the first time since 2019.“They’re still moving,” Rivera said about his pitches on the YES Network broadcast. “That’s good and the reaction is good.”Rivera, who hit an inside-the-park homer in his 2019 appearance, also took an at-bat against Mike Stanton and jogged to first when he flew out to center field.Rivera was introduced last, just as Joe DiMaggio used to be. To the strains of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” the Hall of Fame closer doffed his cap and waved to the fans.
Rivera, baseball’s career leader in saves, underwent surgery after getting hurt playing center field last year. During an at-bat by Willie Randolph, Rivera took a step and fell to the ground in shallow center field behind second base.“It was tough, but I still have to do it,” Rivera said. “We continue going and moving better. I’m here. I’m good enough to be here.”
