Report: Yankees’ Rivera Could Pitch as Early as Sunday

It appears that the groin problem that has hampered Mariano Rivera for the past week won't be an issue for much longer.

According to ESPN.com, the Yankees closer threw "almost 20 pitches" in a painless bullpen session on Saturday, which means he could pitch as soon as Sunday against Toronto.

Rivera began feeling soreness in his left groin on Aug. 15 and pitched in five games after that before taking some time off to rest. He insists the injury is nothing to worry about but wants to make sure that when he returns to the mound, he won't have to take time off again.

"I wasn't expecting to feel anything [during the bullpen session]," Rivera told the Web site. "That's how minor everything was. I just have to make sure that it's ready."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi will consult with the training staff before deciding whether or not the closer will pitch on Sunday.

Rivera is 1-2 with a 1.78 ERA and an MLB-best 38 saves this season.