Rivera likely to retire after new two-year deal runs out - MLB

Mariano Rivera inked a two-year, $30 million contract last week with the Yankees. It may be the last contract of his career.

Rivera, 41, posted a stellar 1.80 ERA and 0.83 WHIP over 60 innings this past season, fanning 45 batters and walking only 11. He converted 33 of his 38 save chances and did not allow a run in six postseason appearances. Mo could probably pitch well into his mid-40s with that same cut fastball that seems to break every bat it touches, but he apparently won’t.

The closer and Yankees legend told Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News on Saturday that he’s likely to hang up his cleats when his new deal with the Yankees runs out.

“I wanted two years,” Rivera said. “That will be fine. I think maybe that might be the last two years.”

Rivera boasts a 2.23 career ERA and a 1.00 career WHIP with 559 saves to his name. Closers don’t always have an easy road to the Hall of Fame, but he’s a no-doubter.

LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated by the New York Yankees ahead of their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots after a 1-0 loss at Seattle, optioning infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook.

Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played in a rehab game for Double-A Somerset. Stanton was hitless in three at-bats in his first appearance since injuring his left hamstring on April 15.

Donaldson went 1 for 4 in his fourth rehab game as he comes back from a strained right hamstring originally sustained on April 5.

Kahnle pitched one inning, giving up one run and one hit and walking two. He has been out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis.

Aaron Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton returning after playing in just one rehab game. He did say that Stanton likely will be a designated hitter for a couple of weeks after rejoining the Yankees.

New York is missing centerfielder Harrison Bader, who strained his right hamstring against the Mariners and went on the injured list the next day.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, sidelined since spring training by a sore left forearm and an ailing back, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.