Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera sustains an Achilles injury during the Old-Timers' Day game for the Yankees, necessitating surgical intervention.
Mariano Rivera Suffers Achielles Tear During Yankees' Old-Timers' Day Game
Mariano Rivera, the Hall of Famer and baseball's career saves leader, tore his Achilles tendon while playing in the New York Yankees' Old-Timers' Day game on Saturday. The incident occurred during an at-bat by Willie Randolph, where Rivera took a step and fell to the ground in shallow center field behind second base.
Rivera was hospitalized shortly after the injury and is scheduled to undergo surgery within a week. The specific details of his recovery have not been disclosed, but given his age (55) and the nature of Achilles tendon tears, the recovery timeline typically extends up to 6 to 12 months for full rehabilitation.
The Old-Timers' Day game was a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Yankees' 2000 World Series win and Rivera's return for the second time. The event was the first Old-Timers' Day game since 2019.
Before the game, Rivera intended to speak with struggling reliever Devin Williams. The game started on a positive note, with Rivera singling off former teammate Andy Pettitte and running to first base without incident. However, the news of Rivera's injury cast a somber tone over the day.
Notably, Rivera finished his career with 652 saves, helping the Yankees win five World Series titles and seven American League pennants. In 2019, he became the first player unanimously inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens expressed concern about Rivera's injury, stating that it seemed worse than a hamstring injury. Derek Jeter also gave a short video message during the Old-Timers' Game.
Rivera returned for his final season in 2013 after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery for the legendary pitcher.
[1] New York Yankees' Old-Timers' Day game returns after a three-year hiatus, ESPN, August 9, 2025. [2] Mariano Rivera hospitalized after tearing Achilles tendon in Old-Timers' Day game, CBS Sports, August 9, 2025. [3] Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera tears Achilles tendon in Old-Timers' Day game, Yahoo Sports, August 9, 2025. [4] Rivera tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in May 2012, Sports Illustrated, May 15, 2012. [5] Mariano Rivera, Baseball Reference, accessed August 15, 2025.
Mariano Rivera's Achilles tendon injury occurred during a baseball game, specifically the New York Yankees' Old-Timers' Day game. Despite his past recoveries from injury, such as tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in 2012, the recovery timeline for an Achilles tendon tear typically takes 6 to 12 months.
