NEW YORK — Yankees legend and Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the team’s Old-Timers’ Day alumni game on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. His agent, Fernando Cuza, confirmed that Rivera will undergo surgery within the week.
The injury occurred during the exhibition as Rivera was playing center field. He collapsed to the ground after taking a step during Willie Randolph’s at‑bat. Initially suspected to be a hamstring issue, trainers later determined it was a more serious Achilles rupture.
The Hall of Fame closer, 55, went down in the third inning while playing center field in the first Old-Timers’ Day game since 2019. Rivera collapsed to the turf while taking a step during Willie Randolph’s at-bat and had to be helped from the field.
Earlier in the game, Rivera contributed with a line‑drive single off former teammate Andy Pettitte, then ran in from first base. It was a brief but emotional appearance in the first Old‑Timers’ Day game since 2019.
Initial reports suggested a hamstring injury, but further evaluation revealed the more severe tendon rupture.
Injury halts Rivera’s special return
The day had started with celebration. Rivera singled off former teammate Andy Pettitte earlier in the game, drawing a loud ovation from the sellout crowd honoring the 25th anniversary of the Yankees’ 2000 World Series championship team.
Roger Clemens, who was also on the field, told WFAN that players initially thought Rivera had grabbed at his hamstring.
“We all thought it was a hamstring,” Clemens said. “But I think it’s a little worse than that.”
Rivera’s injury immediately cast a shadow over an event that brought back several franchise greats, including Jorge Posada, Alfonso Soriano, and David Justice.
A career of comebacks
Rivera is no stranger to significant injuries. In 2012, he tore the ACL in his right knee while shagging fly balls before a game in Kansas City, an injury that sidelined him for most of that season. He returned the following year to close out his career with 44 saves and a 2.11 ERA.
Over 19 seasons, Rivera cemented himself as the greatest closer in baseball history, retiring with a record 652 saves, a 2.21 ERA, and 13 All-Star selections. He was unanimously elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019, becoming the first player to achieve that honor.
He also had the distinction of being the last MLB player to regularly wear the number 42, which was retired league-wide in 1997 to honor Jackie Robinson.
Old-Timers’ Day cut short
Saturday’s Old-Timers’ Day was meant to be a joyful reunion, marking the return of the alumni game after a six-year absence. The festivities included appearances by Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre, Mariano Rivera, and many members of the 2000 championship squad.
The crowd was still buzzing from pregame ceremonies when Rivera’s injury occurred, turning celebration into concern. Medical staff helped him to the dugout, and he was later seen leaving the ballpark on crutches.
The Yankees said Rivera will undergo surgery in the coming days, with a lengthy rehabilitation expected.
Mo wants to help Williams
Before his injury, Rivera had planned to spend part of the weekend offering advice to struggling Yankees reliever Devin Williams, who has battled command issues and blown multiple late leads.
Manager Aaron Boone welcomed the idea of the game’s greatest closer sharing insight with his current bullpen. “Any time Mo is around, I know guys — not just the bullpen guys but everyone — appreciate the wisdom he provides,” Boone said.
Rivera, known for his mental toughness as much as his signature cutter, had a simple message in mind.
“Forget about it. You can’t do nothing about it. What’s done is done. Move on and be confident,” Rivera said. “You have to be confident in yourself. If you’re not confident in yourself, why are you playing the sport?”
Williams, who entered Saturday with a 5.73 ERA, may still get that advice once Rivera begins his recovery. For now, the focus is on the Hall of Famer’s health after an injury that stunned fans and former teammates alike on what was supposed to be a day of celebration.
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