TAMPA — Mariano Rivera might throw off a mound before many expected the all-time saves leader to surface in camp.
“Maybe next week, but maybe by the end of this week,’’ Rivera said yesterday when asked if there was a date for his spring training mound debut.
Rivera, who told Yankees general manager Brian Cashman in January that he might be late to camp as has been the pitcher’s custom in recent years, arrived Monday, the first day of pitchers and catchers.
He participated in conditioning drills yesterday at George M. Steinbrenner Field and hit ground balls to his sons on the back field after the team workout was over.
Monday, the 42-year-old Rivera dropped strong hints this will be his final season. At the minor league complex, Derek Jeter didn’t say anything to refute that and strongly indicated that Rivera has informed his longtime teammate of the decision.
Asked if Rivera has told Jeter what his decision is, Jeter said, “What do you think?’’
Then added, “I’ve got no comment on when Mo is going to go. He told you he’s not going to tell you. Let’s do it this way, you are not going to get anything from me about Mo. Mo told you what he wanted to tell you. He will share his thoughts and opinions with you when he is ready. I am not going to sit here and get into speculation of what people assume he meant. He is [at training camp]. You guys can ask him. I am not going to get involved in that. Like I said, you appreciate him while he is here, focus on that instead of if and when he is going to retire.’’
Rivera said he was pleased Jeter didn’t talk for him.
“That’s the way it should be,’’ Rivera said.
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Last week it was Michael Pineda admitting he was 10 pounds over his playing weight of last year.
Yesterday, Cashman didn’t confirm or deny that stud catching prospect Gary Sanchez reported to camp a dozen pounds heavier than the club wanted.
“I wouldn’t say,’’ Cashman said when asked if Sanchez, who is listed at 217 pounds, was overweight.
Sanchez, who won’t be 20 until December, is the youngest player in any big league camp this spring.
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Joba Chamberlain threw off a half-mound in a GMS Field bullpen yesterday and impressed manager Joe Girardi.
“He looked really good, mechanically sound,’’ Girardi said of the reliever, who isn’t expected back from Tommy John surgery until June. “Not tentative at all.’’