Yankees' closer Rivera has shoulder surgery

[October 08, 2008]  NEW YORK (AP) -- New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera had surgery Tuesday on his right shoulder and is expected to resume throwing in three months, a month ahead of spring training.

New York Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek operated at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Altchek also operated on catcher Jorge Posada's shoulder last summer.

Altchek shaved a calcified joint on the top of Rivera's shoulder. The 38-year-old Rivera had 39 saves this year, and his 1.40 ERA was his best since 2005.

[Associated Press]

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