Mariano Rivera, U.S. economy, considering off-season surgery

BOSTON (AP) _ Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is considering whether to have offseason surgery on his sore right shoulder, joining the U.S. economy on the inactive list for the near future.

General manager Brian Cashman said before tonight’s scheduled game against the Boston Red Sox that Rivera can pitch through the pain until the season’s over. Then he might go under the knife.

Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Wall Street plans to pitch in discomfort, until a new shoulder and arm can be purchased, courtesy of taxpayers.