Mariano Rivera expects to be healthy enough to close for the Yankees by Opening Day 2013.

Rivera is recovering from surgery to repair a tear in his right anterior cruciate ligament suffered in a batting practice mishap on May 3 in Kansas City.

"Oh yeah, I don't see why not," he said of being ready for the April 1 opener. "We have at least three months, four months to that point. I'll be ready."

Rivera has signed a one-year, $10 million contract to continue his career.