The worst has been confirmed for New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. Following the Yankees' 4-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night, manager Joe Girardi clarified that Rivera indeed suffered a torn ACL while shagging fly balls prior to the game.
Oof RT @BloggingBombers: Girardi on Rivera: "it appears he has a torn ACL"
— SB Nation (@sbnation) May 4, 2012
The initial diagnosis of the injury was a "twisted knee," though the actual video of the injury hinted at much worse. Rivera crumpled to the ground on the warning track after oddly planting his foot while chasing a ball hit over his shoulder.
Rivera was examined immediately by the Royals' team physician before being sent in for MRIs. The injury likely means the veteran closer is out for the year barring an astonishingly fast recovery and a World Series run by the Yankees.
See Pinstripe Alley for more discussion and analysis of the Yankees. Check back with SB Nation New York for more information about Rivera's injury.