New York, NY -- (Sports Network) - New York Yankees star closer Mariano Rivera underwent surgery on his sore right shoulder Tuesday and is expected to resume throwing in three months, a month before spring training is set to begin.

Dr. David Altchek performed the operation at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

The 38-year-old pitched through discomfort throughout the 2008 campaign but was still dominant, converting 39-of-40 save opportunities and compiling a 6-5 record with a 1.40 earned run average.

After tests taken on Rivera's shoulder revealed inflammation and calcification, the reliever opted for surgery rather than a series of periodic cortisone injections.

In 14 career seasons -- all with the Yankees -- the fan favorite has appeared in 851 games, which includes 10 starts in his rookie campaign in 1995, while compiling a 68-49 record with 482 saves, good for second best all-time behind San Diego's Trevor Hoffman (554).

The presumed future Hall-of-Famer is signed through the 2010 season with New York, which missed the playoffs for the first time since 1993.