Will Yankees’ Rivera Retire After 2013 Season?

A person familiar with the decision says that New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera plans to retire after the 2013 season.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity because there had been no official announcement. A news conference was expected Saturday at the Yankees' spring training complex in Tampa, Fla.

The 43-year-old right-hander is baseball's saves leader with 608. He missed most of last season after he tore a ligament in his right knee while catching fly balls during batting practice.

Rivera has returned home to Panama for a personal matter, and is expected to rejoin the team Saturday.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)