Rivera shoulder surgery

Mariano Rivera is set to have minor shoulder surgery.

Rivera revealed late in September that he had pitched nearly the entire season in pain. Tests revealed inflammation and calcification on top of the AC joint in the 38-year-old reliever's right shoulder.

"You learn how to deal with it," Rivera said. "Obviously, there are days that you won't pitch because it hurts, because it's cranky, but I'm here to pitch. I don't come here to sit down and just see what happens."

The procedure is considered relatively minor and Rivera is expected to be ready for Spring Training, though he will likely assume his usual light workload -- skipping all road Grapefruit League games -- heading into the regular season.

That he still recorded 39 saves is impressive, even for the greatest closer in the history of the game.