TORONTO — All-Star closer Mariano Rivera is ready to return to the New York Yankees after experiencing soreness in his left groin.

Manager Joe Girardi said he wasn't sure how he would work Rivera back into the mix, but said he could give him the ninth inning when the Yankees wrap up a four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.

"I'm going to talk to (trainer Gene Monahan) and I think he's available today," Girardi said before the first pitch. "I have to decide what we feel is the best. Do you give him one more day or not? He feels good so, if we need him to close he's available."

The 39-year-old Rivera hasn't pitched in a game since Tuesday at Baltimore. He first began to feel sore Aug. 15 in Seattle, but has pitched in five games since then and converted a personal-best 34 save opportunities in a row overall.

Rivera is 1-2 with a 1.78 ERA and 38 saves this season. He played catch in the outfield Thursday and Friday, then threw in the bullpen Saturday.

"It's a little different not having him down there," Girardi said. "You get spoiled having him down there. He's been here a long time so it's nice to know that he doesn't have a star by his name."