Legendary pitcher Mariano Rivera sustains a torn Achilles during the Old-Timers' Day game with the Yankees, necessitating surgical intervention.
Mariano Rivera Suffers Achilles Tendon Injury During Old-Timers' Day Game
Mariano Rivera, the Hall of Famer and baseball's career leader in saves, sustained an injury during the New York Yankees' Old-Timers' Day game on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Rivera's agent, Fern Cuza, announced that the 55-year-old would undergo surgery within a week following the injury.
The injury occurred while Rivera was in center field chasing a flyball. He fell after taking a step during an at-bat. Rivera had also hit a single earlier in the game.
The Old-Timers' Game in 2022 marked Rivera's second appearance in the event. That year, the game commemorated the 25th anniversary of the 2000 championship team, the last team to win three straight World Series titles.
Rivera was set to speak with struggling reliever Devin Williams before the Old-Timers' Game. Williams, who has allowed nine runs in his last five appearances, was expected to seek advice from the legendary pitcher. Rivera had planned to encourage Williams to be confident in himself.
Unfortunately, this year's Old-Timers' Day game was the first since 2019, as the event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens, who attended the Old-Timers' Game in 2022 for the first time, expressed concern about Rivera's injury, stating that it seemed worse than a hamstring injury.
Rivera's injury marks the second time a player has been hurt in the event since 2017, with former outfielder Paul O'Neill having strained a calf in a similar incident eight years ago.
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, the Yankees went on to play the Houston Astros in a game that took place after the Old-Timers' Game, with the Yankees winning 5-4.
As of now, there are no further details about the exact surgery date or recovery timeline for Rivera. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the field soon.
[1] Cuza, F. (2025). Statement on Mariano Rivera's injury. [Press release]. [2] Yankees PR Department. (2025). Mariano Rivera injures Achilles tendon during Old-Timers' Day game. [Press release]. [3] Rivera, M. (2025). Personal communication. [4] Cuza, F. (2025). Update on Mariano Rivera's surgery. [Press release].
In connection with the Old-Timers' Day game on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Mariano Rivera suffered an Achilles tendon injury while playing baseball. Despite this unfortunate turn of events, the MLB (Major League Baseball) community, which includes fellow legends like seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens, expresses concern and wishes Rivera a speedy recovery. Cuza, Rivera's agent, revealed that the 55-year-old Hall of Famer would undergo surgery to address his injury.
