Rivera remains idle for Yankees
Closer could return from groin injury for series finale at Toronto
Last Updated: Friday, September 4, 2009 | 8:45 PM ET
CBC Sports
If the Blue Jays find themselves trailing by three runs or less in the ninth inning on Saturday, at least they won't have the added challenge of facing Mariano Rivera.
The New York Yankees closer, who has a sore left groin, will throw in the bullpen Saturday and could be ready for the finale of a four-game series on Sunday, according to manager Joe Girardi.
Rivera, who hasn't pitched since Tuesday, threw in the outfield Thursday and was expected to play catch again Friday.
Girardi said Rivera's bullpen session would be a light one. The right-hander will only throw 10 to 15 pitches and "probably won't break 85 [miles per hour]."
Rivera, 1-2 with a 1.78 earned-run average and a major league-leading 38 saves, first began to feel sore Aug. 15 in Seattle.
The 39-year-old has pitched in five games since then and has converted a personal-best 34 save opportunities in a row overall.
Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter did not start against the Blue Jays on Friday, a scheduled day off. Ramiro Pena started for Jeter, who jammed a finger on his right hand diving for a ball in the fourth inning Thursday and did not take part in batting practice Friday.
The injury is not considered serious.
New York entered play Friday with a healthy 7½-game lead over Boston atop the American League East Division standings.
