Once a starter, Rivera dominated on Independence Day

“I just pitched like I’ve been doing in Columbus,” Rivera said to the Associated Press after his breakout game, referring to his time spent with New York’s Triple-A affiliate.

The righty surrendered just two hits – both to future Hall of Famer Frank Thomas – and came away with his second win of the season.

“We weren’t really sure how long Mariano was gonna be able to go and how long the White Sox would allow him to go,” Yankees manager Buck Showalter told The Athletic. “He just kept getting people out.”

Rivera’s 11 total strikeouts surprised the home team fans at Comiskey Park, as he entered the day with a 10.20 ERA, along with just nine Ks, eight walks and a 1-2 record.

In his previous start on June 5 against Seattle, the pitcher who would later be nicknamed “The Sandman” threw only 2 1/3 innings, giving up four earned runs on seven hits.

The rookie previously started four games for the Yankees, but early-season struggles at the big league level prompted his assignment to Triple-A Columbus. After nearly a month in the minors, he was called back up to the majors, returning with improved velocity and movement.

“I was excited because I knew I had an opportunity to be back, and I just wanted to show that I belonged at that level,” Rivera explained to The Athletic in 2020. “When I came to the big leagues, my shoulder had soreness and discomfort. I was doing my best, but I didn’t feel like myself. When I was called back up, I didn’t want to miss that opportunity.”