Yankees’ Rivera Gets a Workout

New York Yankee closer Mariano Rivera threw 40 pitches in batting practice Tuesday at Tampa, Fla. as he works his way back from a groin strain.

Rivera is expected to pitch one inning in an extended spring training game Friday, and could rejoin the team next week.

“Today was a good test,” Rivera said. “I feel real good.”

Rivera might pitch in the minor leagues before rejoining the Yankees.

Rivera started the season on the 15-day disabled list after getting hurt on his final pitch during a spring training game March 24. The right-hander also spent time on the DL last season because of a strained groin.

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Trying to make certain he doesn’t need surgery on his injured right knee, Pittsburgh Pirate outfielder Brian Giles asked for a second medical opinion.

Giles, the Pirates’ top offensive player for four years, was diagnosed with a sprained medial collateral ligament after being hurt sliding into second base Thursday against Milwaukee. Giles initially felt a twinge in the knee, but didn’t have any pain until waking up Friday.

He went on the 15-day DL Saturday, and the initial prognosis was he would be ready to play after two to four weeks of rehabilitation.

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Oft-injured outfielder Jeffrey Hammonds of the Milwaukee Brewers is making his eighth trip to the disabled list.

Hammonds went on the 15-day DL with a sprained right ankle. He was hurt Monday night when he jammed his ankle into the wall in right-center field while trying to rob St. Louis’ Orlando Palmeiro of a home run.