Yankees closer Mariano Rivera tells team he intends to return next season
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All-time saves leader Mariano Rivera plans to pitch again for the New York Yankees next year.
Rivera told the Yankees this week that he'll return from a knee injury that sidelined him for most of the season. The closer turns 43 next month.
Rivera has 608 career saves. He tore a ligament in his right knee in early May while shagging fly balls during batting practice. Rivera vowed right away to pitch again, but recently said he wasn't sure.
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Rafael Soriano earned 42 saves this year for the AL East champions while filling in for Rivera. Soriano recently opted out of the final season of his three-year contract and will likely seek a long-term deal in free agency.