Mariano Rivera Tears ACL at Batting Practice; Career in Jeopardy (VIDEO)

That has to be a phrase that you never thought you'd here, huh? The man is a closer in the American League; AL pitchers don't hit, right? Typically, they do not although since inter-league play kicked off they do get the occasional at-bat.

However, if you just pitch the final inning like he does you probably will never have to swing a bat even in interleague play. So why is the all-time career saves leader hanging out at batting practice? 

Well, he was actually just trying to be a good teammate and shag balls in the outfield. It's something Rivera has done for years as part of his pregame routine, and a way to stay in shape. Going after one of those balls his knee appears to buckle. When he hits the warning track and rolls over the pain in his face says it all.

Rivera was immediately sent to the hospital to get a MRI done on his injured knee. The early word is that he has suffered a torn ACL, an injury that could very well end the 42-year old's career after 18 years.

Incidentally, Rivera has had three career at-bats; one in 2006 and the others in 2009 and '10. He has no hits, but has been credited with an RBI, a walk, and a strikeout.  

Article by Travis Pulver