Mariano Rivera says his current problem on the left side of his torso is nothing compared with the discomfort he felt during last year’s postseason on the right side.
“It happened in the last game in Anaheim [Game 5 of the ALCS],” Rivera said. “It was a lot worse than this time. I was cooking like a lobster. Gino [Monahan] did a tremendous job.”
Rivera replaced Joba Chamberlain with one out and two on and the Yankees trailing the Angels, 7-6, and retired Chone Figgins and Bobby Abreu.
With two days to regroup, Rivera worked two innings in Game 6, a 5-2 Yankees victory. Rivera appeared in Games 2, 3 and 4 in the World Series.
So, how long did it take to completely heal?
“I don’t know, I didn’t have to do anything,” Rivera said.
As for the current problem and his availability, Rivera said before the game, “I think so if they allow me.” But he didn’t pitch in yesterday’s 7-5 win over the Orioles that included a high-wire, ninth-inning acts by David Robertson and Boone Logan,
With Rivera having last pitched Friday and today an off day on the schedule manager Joe Girardi avoided using Rivera, even after admitting he didn’t have Joba Chamberlain yesterday. Chamberlain posted victories Monday and Tuesday against the Orioles with Rivera sidelined.
After watching Chamberlain work consecutive ninth innings and post saves, Rivera was asked if he talked to Chamberlain.
“We always talk,” Rivera said.
Does Chamberlain listen?
“It looks like it, I would say yes, but I don’t know,” Rivera said.
Chamberlain said he soaks up every word from the Yankees closer.
“We talk mostly about [pitch] sequences, how does he get guys out,” Chamberlain said. “He does some things different but in a sense it’s the same. How to elevate? I always ask why, in and out, up and down. He is good at explaining why and it’s easy for us to understand why he does that.”
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According to Girardi, Jorge Posada‘s bothersome right calf is improving. Nevertheless, the manager couldn’t give an exact time for his catcher to return.
“Jorge feels better but we won’t know on him until Friday,” Girardi said of Posada, who left a game Monday night and hasn’t played since.
“It feels better,” said Posada, who is bathing in ice packs. “[Today] is a big day for me.”
Posada warmed up Sergio Mitre before the eighth inning.
If Posada isn’t ready to play in the three-game Red Sox series that opens tomorrow night at Fenway Park, the Yankees may have to put him on the disabled list and elevate Chad Moeller from Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre (Triple-A).
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Derek Jeter played in his 2,164th game. That ties Lou Gehrig for second place on the all-time club list. Mickey Mantle leads with 2,401.
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Curtis Granderson said his strained left groin is improving.
“It feels better, I can walk a straight line,” said Granderson, who left Saturday’s game and went immediately to the DL. Granderson, who is also battling a throat infection, will remain at home for treatment.
When people ask him if he will be out for a month, Granderson says he tells them, “I know for sure, 15 days.”
Granderson, a former Tiger, felt for his former city which lost Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell Tuesday night.
“That is a big loss for the city of Detroit, if there ever was a nice guy award he would get it,” Granderson said.