Yankees closer Mariano Rivera says the blood clot in his right calf has cleared up and he will have surgery on his injured knee June 12.

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Baseball's career saves leader was at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday before New York's game against the Tampa Bay Rays, walking without a limp despite having a torn ACL and damaged meniscus. He says he should be ready to play at the beginning of next season.

The 42-year-old Rivera was hurt shagging flyballs on May 3.

Surgery was delayed because doctors discovered the clot. Rivera learned last week that the clot was gone and said his knee has been strong enough for surgery for a while.

Mets team physician David Altcheck will perform the operation.

Rivera says there's no timetable for his return and that he doesn't want one.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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