Rivera Throws BP For First Time Since Knee Injury

(AP) Rivera throws BP for first time since knee injury

TAMPA, Fla.

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera has thrown batting practice for the first time since knee surgery last year.

The 43-year old Rivera threw 25 pitches Friday and said he was happy with the results. He expects to be ready when the Yankees open the regular season April 1 against Boston.

Rivera was limited to nine games last year, his season ending when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while tracking down a fly ball during batting practice in Kansas City on May 3. He had surgery to repair the injury on June 12.

Rivera is a 12-time All-Star with 608 saves in the regular season and 42 more in the postseason.