TORONTO — Yankees closer Mariano Rivera threw “almost 20 pitches” in a bullpen session Saturday and reported no pain in his sore left groin, meaning he might be able to return to the mound today.
“I wasn’t expecting to feel anything,” Rivera said before the Yankees played the Blue Jays. “That’s how minor everything was. I just have to make sure that it’s ready.”
Rivera, 1-2 with a 1.78 ERA and a major-league leading 38 saves, first began to feel sore Aug. 15 in Seattle. The 39-year-old has pitched in five games since then and has converted a personal-best 34 save opportunities in a row overall.
Also, the Yankees purchased the contract of right-hander Josh Towers from Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre, adding him to the 40-man roster. Catcher Kevin Cash was released to make room for Towers.
Season over for Royals’ Guillen
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Royals outfielder Jose Guillen will miss the rest of the season because of a right knee injury.
That was just the beginning of the bad news for the Royals, who have the worst record in the American League. Gil Meche and Brian Bannister will miss their next scheduled starts with right shoulder fatigue, and left-handed reliever John Bale is likely through for the season with a hamstring injury.
Footnotes.
Diamondbacks outfielder Eric Byrnes, who missed 64 games with a broken left hand after he was hit by a pitch, was activated from the disabled list. He pinch-hit in the ninth against the Rockies and singled.
• Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt left Saturday’s game against the Phillies in the seventh inning because of tightness in his lower back.
• The Tigers recalled right-hander Armando Galarraga from Triple-A Toledo to start against the Rays.
• All-star outfielder Josh Hamilton has rejoined the Rangers but is uncertain when his back injury will enable him to return to the lineup.
The Associated Press
