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Yankees expect Mo to be ready in 2013

Yankees expect Mo to be ready in 2013

NEW YORK -- The Yankees will not elaborate on a complication found Monday after examination of Mariano Rivera's right knee, but general manager Brian Cashman said that it is not anything that would impact the closer's ability to pitch in the 2013 season.

"I have no comment on that, but you can certainly ask Mo about that [Wednesday] when he arrives [at Yankee Stadium]," Cashman said, adding, "It doesn't affect next year at all. It doesn't affect anything about next year."

Rivera, 42, tore the anterior cruciate ligament as well as the meniscus in his right knee on Thursday at Kauffman Stadium while attempting to field a line drive in batting practice.

Rivera was seen by team physician Chris Ahmad as well as Dr. Russell Warren and Dr. David Altchek on Monday, all of whom concurred with the diagnosis of the torn ACL and meniscus given on Thursday in Kansas City.

Rivera is expected to have season-ending surgery when the swelling in his knee dissipates, which could take two to three weeks. Cashman described Rivera as being "in good spirits" but said that he is ruling out any return to the mound in 2012.

"All the reports I got, it's all about next year," Cashman said. "What he's got is correctable. At a date yet to be scheduled, they'll have surgery and fix it, he'll go through the rehab process and we'll have the player next year."