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Mariano Rivera Carted Off Field During Batting Practice After Twisting Right Knee (UPDATE: Torn ACL)

In what sounds like a freak, bizarre incident but one that could have some serious consequences for the Yankees – and one of baseball’s great careers – Mariano Rivera was carted off the field in Kansas City earlier this evening after apparently suffering a knee injury while shagging fly balls during batting practice. Rivera appeared to be in significant pain, was diagnosed with a twisted right knee, and will undergo an MRI during the game.

Hopefully Rivera doesn’t miss significant time here, and it doesn’t need much explaining what the ramifications could be if he does. Rivera has performed brilliantly as the Yankees’ closer for 15 years, is a lock for the Hall of Fame, and his loss would seriously deplete the Yankees’ bullpen. It’s a loss they’ve hardly ever had to deal with – 2002 was the only year since 1996 Rivera hasn’t pitched in at least 60 games.

And Rivera wasn’t 42 back in 2002. If this injury is too serious, whether he’ll even pitch again. Fortunately, the initial diagnosis didn’t sound too catastrophic. Our guess is he’ll be back. As bad as it looks initially, as you’ll see below, Rivera looked a lot better when he was being taken off. Hopefully, that look was more indicative of what’s to come. Video of the incident below, via YES/MLB Network.

UPDATE: Rivera has a torn ACL. Damn. This was just about the worst-case scenario. He’ll obviously be out for a while. When he’ll be back – if he’ll be back? – isn’t known. But he’s one of baseball’s most brilliant, consistent performers, and we really hope he can come back, and come back strong. If anyone can do it, it’s a guy who’s still posting terrific numbers at age 42. And just about everyone – even the many, many Yankee haters out there – is hoping he can do it.