Mariano Rivera will be back in 2013

Although he missed the majority of the 2012 season with a torn ACL, closer Mariano Rivera has told the Yankees that he wants to come back in 2013, according to George A. King III of the New York Post.

“Rivera contacted us and wants to play,” [Yankees general manager Brian] Cashman told The Post.

Excluding his rookie season (1995) when he all 10 of his career starts, Rivera has had a sub-3.00 ERA every year except 2007 (3.15).  From 2003 to 2011, that 2007 season was actually his only season where he did not finish with a sub-2.00 ERA.

More impressively, Rivera has a career 0.70 ERA over 141 innings in the postseason.

The only thing standing in the way of the all-time saves leader (608) closing games in the Bronx in 2013 is a one-year deal as Rivera is currently a free agent.

Mariano Rivera could return Sunday

The New York Yankees could have their closer back as soon as today, according to Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News.

Mariano Rivera, who hasn't pitched since September 1st, felt fine after a 16-pitch bullpen session.

"I wasn't expecting to feel anything," Rivera said. "That's how minor it was. We just had to make sure that it's ready. I wasn't looking for something or expecting something."

Since Rivera's last appearance, Phil Hughes has closed out two of two save opportunities. In the process, Hughes struck out six of the eight batters he faced while not allowing a hit.

"We've gone away from that the last three or four weeks because we didn't want to wear him down," Girardi said. "I'm going to ask him every day how his groin is. We've been careful how we've used him all year."

With the effectiveness of Hughes, who hasn't allowed an earned run since August 4th, Girardi has the flexibility to not overuse Rivera, who has converted 38 of 39 save opportunities.

Mariano Rivera gives up back-to-back homers

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera did something he has never done in his Major League career last night. And he surely hopes to never do it again.

Rivera gave up back-to-back homeruns to Tampa Bay Rays hitters Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria.

The Rays beat the Yankees 8-6 and the Yankees have their worst losing streak (five games) under manager Joe Girardi.

According to Girardi, Rivera, who had off-season shoulder surgery, has a "tired shoulder," which is affecting his velocity.

"I've been giving my best," Rivera said. "I haven't been 100% yet, but that's no excuse. I won't say that was the reason I lost the game. I felt great. The strength, it will be there. That's not my concern at all."

"No one's going to feel sorry for us," Girardi said. "It's our job to turn it around. ...Right now, we're in a little rut and we have to get out of it."

The Yankees are 13-15 and 5 1/2 games behind division-leading Toronto.