Report: Mariano Rivera Suffers Torn ACL, Career Could Be in Jeopardy

by Brian Roach on Thu, May 3, 2012 at 8:23PM

Summer just isn't going to be the same without Mo.

Mariano Rivera, the New York Yankees All-Star closer, appears to have torn his ACL and will be done for the season, according to ESPN.

Rivera was carted off the field in Kansas City on Thursday, after coming up limp while fielding some flyballs in the outfield prior to first pitch at Kauffman Stadium.

The 42-year-old was runnign towards the outfield wall in pursuit of a ball hi by new Yankee teammate Jayson Nix when the injury occurred. Rivera leaped to try and make a play on the ball, but as he landed awkwardly on the warning track his right knee buckled.

As Rivera lay on the ground, teammate and former MVP Alex Rodriguez could be seen reacting to the scene, saying "Oh, my God. Oh, my God."

Rivera was carted off the field, unable to walk under his own power. The unfortunate circumstances could mark a terrible end to an illustrious Hall of Fame Career, as Rivera will turn 43 this offseason.

The Yankees must now turn to either former closer Rafael Soriano or setup man Dave Robertson to finish off games in the dreaded American League East.

When asked about the situation with Rivera, manager Joe Girardi responded in short by saying "It's not what you want, but it's not season over," referring to the Yankees season.

In nine appearances this season, Rivera is 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA and five saves in six chances for the Yankees.