XM MLB Chat: Rivera 'complications' were a blood clot in right calf which is being treated

Mike Francesa said doctors also want to strengthen the knee before surgery, that doing so will create a better result. Suzyn Waldman said they kept Rivera in the hospital overnight to check on the blood clot which is being treated with blood thinners.

5/9/12, "Mariano Rivera: 'I'm OK'," ESPNNY.com, A. Marchand

"Mariano Rivera said on Wednesday that the "complications" discovered during an exam of his injured knee are a blood clot in his right calf.

"I'm OK," Rivera said.

Rivera also revealed that his plan all along was to come back and play next year. Even with his forthcoming knee surgery, Rivera reiterated on Wednesday he will return next season.

On Monday, the New York Post quoted Rivera's agent, Fernando Cuza, saying that Rivera had "complications" when he went to see New York-based doctors about his injured knee that is expected to keep him out all of 2012.

Rivera said the blood clot wasn't discovered until he met with doctors on Monday.

"I was scared," Rivera said.

He said he will not have surgery for a few weeks. The blood clot is expected to completely heal.

Last week, Rivera hurt the knee when he tumbled in Kansas City shagging fly balls. The initial diagnosis was a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a damaged meniscus in his right knee.

On Monday, team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Russell Warren, a knee specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery and Mets' team doctor, Dr. David Altchek all examined Rivera's knee.

Most estimates have Rivera missing this year and returning in 2013. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Tuesday that Rivera won't be back on a major league mound until next season. Cashman said the "complications" would not impact Rivera's knee recovery.

"I look forward to see him back in a Yankee uniform," manager Joe Girardi said.

Prior to the injury, Rivera had hinted that this could be his final season. After the diagnosis, though, Rivera defiantly said he will return.

"I can't go out like this," Rivera said."