Yankees’ Rivera planning for final season in 2013

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees closer Mariano Rivera plans to announce this weekend that he will retire after the 2013 season, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.

A news conference was called for Saturday at the Yankees’ spring training complex in Tampa, Fla.

The 43-year-old is baseball’s all-time saves leader with 608. He is regarded as one of the best clutch pitchers in history, posting a record 42 postseason saves with an 0.70 ERA while helping the Yankees win five World Series championships.

Rivera missed most of last season after he tore a ligament in his right knee while catching fly balls during batting practice. The right-hander was hurt May 3 and had surgery the next month.