Yankees' Rivera throws simulated game

Closer returning from torn ACL

Author: By The Sports Xchange
Published On: Feb 28 2013 03:52:15 PM CST   Updated On: Mar 01 2013 05:36:34 AM CST
Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera pitched an inning of a simulated game Thursday morning as he continued his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee.

Rivera had already thrown to batters last week, Thursday's 18-pitch session included fielding balls off the mound, one of the final obstacles in his recovery from the May surgery that ended his 2012 season.

Rivera needed to cover first on a bunt, field a bunt up the first-base line and cut off a bouncing ball between first base and the mound.

"That's what I wanted to do, field some bunts, go after some balls in between first and the mound, and just plant and throw," Rivera said. "It feels good, guys, it feels real good. It was perfect."

The all-time leader with 608 career saves, the 43-year-old Rivera was limited to 8 1/3 innings in 2012, with five saves. He was hurt shagging fly balls in Kansas City.

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