Mariano Rivera does not want to think about pitching this season, but that does not mean he has ruled out the possibility.
The Yankees closer was optimistic in an interview with ESPN Radio yesterday, and continues to have his eyes on a potential September return.
“That’s my goal,” Rivera said when asked about a Post column by Joel Sherman, in which Rivera’s rehab doctor said he believed he could return to this season.
“Definitely, that’s my goal. I’m not thinking about it because if it doesn’t happen, I’d be disappointed. So, I’m taking it day by day. I’m working hard, I don’t want to put something in my mind. I want to make sure I do my things first. Focused, optimism, confidence.
“If the Lord allows it to happen, it will happen.”
Rivera tore his ACL on May 3 in Kansas City while shagging fly balls during batting practice. Rivera had his surgery delayed by a blood clot in his leg, but had the successful procedure on June 12.
But his rehab doctor, Keith Pyne, told Sherman last week Rivera’s tremendous physical condition and the work he did before the surgery had made returning this season a legitimate possibility.
“It’s going much quicker than what we were thinking,” Rivera said. “Everything, the surgery, the knee, the way the cut healed and everything. They can’t believe it’s going so quick like this.”
Rivera, 42, would not guarantee a return this season, though.
“I don’t know. I don’t know. I want to be there now. Only God knows,” he said.
Despite losing one of their most valuable players, the Yankees have the best record in baseball. Rivera said he believes a lot of credit belongs to his replacement Rafael Soriano, who has converted 23 of 24 save opportunities since taking over the closer’s role.
“He’s done a tremendous job with increased responsibility,” Rivera said. “He’s showing a great desire, and hopefully he will keep doing the same.”