TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Yankees closer Mariano Rivera has taken another step toward pitching in his first spring training game this year.
Rivera threw 35 pitches during his first batting practice session Wednesday. He didn’t rule out pitching on Sunday, while manager Joe Girardi said Sunday or next Wednesday would likely be the right-hander’s debut.
The 41-year-old has taken a slower approach recent years. He faced Ronnie Belliard, who has missed the past week with a calf injury, Justin Maxwell and Bradley Suttle in the BP session.
