Mariano Rivera reportedly to retire after 2013 season
By QMI Agency
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  New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera throws in the bullpen under the watch of pitching coach Larry Rothschild during MLB spring training workouts in Tampa, Florida February 19, 2013. (REUTERS/Scott Audette)
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On the same day he’s scheduled to pitch in his first game in nearly a year, Mariano Rivera is expected to announce his retirement.
The New York Yankees will hold a press conference Saturday where Rivera will announce he’s hanging up his cleats after the 2013 season, according to multiple reports.
The 43-year-old closer will leave Major League Baseball as the leader in career saves -- he currently holds the record with 608. He enters this season with a career 2.21 earned-run average with 1,119 strikeouts in 1,219 2/3 innings.
A five-time World Series champion, the 12-time all-star was at his best during the post-season, pitching 141 innings and recording 42 saves in 47 opportunities with a 0.70 ERA.
Rivera last pitched on April 30, 2012. He suffered a torn ACL that ended his season three days later while fielding fly balls during batting practice.
