42 Mariano Rivera, RP

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera recorded his 17th save on Monday in Baltimore.

The Yankees took a 6-4 lead in the top of the 10th inning and Rivera closed the books on the Orioles with a 1-2-3 inning with one strikeout. He earned his 625th career save.

He lowered his ERA to 1.47 on the year and has recorded saves in six straight appearances. He's leading the American League in saves and is having a career year at 43 years of age.

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera was flattered when asked about an increasingly popular internet petition to get him to start the All-Star game, but told MLB.com Thursday he would prefer to stay in his comfort zone.

"It would mess up everything," said Rivera. "It would be the first time I've started, I think, since 1995. I don't think it would be right. I'd rather close the game than start the game."

Rivera, a 12-time All-Star, has converted all 16 of his save opportunities in the final season of his career. The 43-year-old veteran is MLB's all-time leader in saves (624) and games finished (910). Rivera would earn another spot on the national stage with an All-Star game appearance at Citi Field.

"I do respect everyone trying to do it," Rivera said. "But first of all, I have to be there first. Second of all, I don't start. That's not what I do. I know they want to honor me for my career, and I know it's here in New York. But the thing is, I wouldn't be comfortable making a start."

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera went 1-2-3 in the ninth inning to protect a one-run lead Tuesday at home against the Mariners. 

Rivera earned his 16th save, and needed only 11 pitches to record three outs with a strikeout. His ERA stands at 1.56. 

Rivera has saved games in nine of his last 10 appearances and has gone a perfect 16 for 16 this year. He's given up just one run over his last 9 1/3 innings. 

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera worked around a leadoff single to Eric Hosmer in the ninth inning to secure his 15th save during a 4-2 win Sunday against the Royals. After Hosmer's single, Rivera induced Salvador Perez into a double play before getting Mike Moustakas to fly out to right field to end the game.

Rivera has five saves in six May appearances. Rivera has converted his last 29 chances against the Royals dating to Aug. 18, 1998, his longest active streak against any team. His only other blown save against them happened in 1996.

Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera allowed a two-out double to Salvador Perez in the ninth inning but kept the Royals scoreless during New York's 3-2 win Saturday night. It was Rivera's 14th save to start the season, and his 28th straight against Kansas City.