Major League Baseball

Rivera will enter as Sandman in ASG

Published Jul. 16, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

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“Enter Sandman” it will be.

When New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera pitches in his final All-Star Game on Tuesday night, he will take the mound to his familiar entrance music, according to baseball sources.

Why is there even a question?

Because the game will be at Citi Field, home of the Yankees’ cross-town rivals, the New York Mets – and Mets fans might cringe at hearing Rivera’s song in their home park.

Well, for one night at least, the moment – Rivera’s last All-Star appearance - will transcend the rivalry.

Metallica's “Enter Sandman,” Rivera’s entrance song since 1999, will be played over the sound system at Citi Field.

“It will be a fitting tribute to one of the great players and people the game has seen,” Yankees president Randy Levine said. “Thanks to the Mets and to MLB.”

American League manager Jim Leyland said Tuesday that Rivera will pitch during the game, regardless of whether the AL has a lead.

Leyland could be in a tricky position depending upon the score of the game, but he left little doubt that he will use Rivera.

“You can rest assured he will be on the mound in this game at some point,” Leyland said. “You will see him pitch.”

Rivera, 43, will be making his 13th All-Star appearance, the most among the 2013 All-Stars and the second most all-time among pitchers; only Warren Spahn, with 14, had more.

In eight All-Star innings, Rivera has allowed one run – unearned – and five hits while striking out five, walking none and earning a record four saves.

He is 30-for-32 in save opportunities this season with a 1.83 ERA.

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