TORONTO (AP) -Yankees closer Mariano Rivera returned to New York on Thursday for end-of-season medical tests, including an MRI exam, and will rejoin the team Friday in Boston for the final series of the regular season.
Rivera is 6-5 with a 1.43 ERA and 38 saves in 39 opportunities.
Manager Joe Girardi said he allowed Rivera to leave the team because he didn’t intend to use him Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Rivera didn’t pitch Wednesday after appearing in four of New York’s previous five games.
“I could have pitched him last night if I had to,” Girardi said. “Since we were eliminated and he’d pitched four out of five days, I just didn’t see a need to do it.”
Girardi said the 38-year-old Rivera has complained of feeling “cranky,” but has no specific medical complaints.
“When I asked him Tuesday if he was OK, he said his whole body was a little cranky because he’d thrown three days in a row,” Girardi said. “This is nothing new. Mo’s been cranky at 37, cranky at 36, but when you need Mo, he’s there for you.”
the hand by a pitch Saturday, but came on as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s game.
Regulars Alex Rodriguez and Johnny Damon were held out of the starting lineup for the second straight game Thursday, with Wilson Betemit making his second start at third and Melky Cabrera taking over in left field. Cody Ransom started at shortstop with catcher Francisco Cervelli made his major league debut.
Girardi said he’ll use his regulars this weekend as long as Boston is still in contention for the AL East, and definitely on Sunday when right-hander Mike Mussina goes for his 20th win.
“If (the Red Sox) are still competing for something, our regulars will be in there,” Girardi said. “I want everyone available for Mike.”
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