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

Rivers, 38, pitched with discomfort throughout the 2008 campaign but still converted 39-of-40 save opportunities and had 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 -- Rivers has appeared in 851 games, which includes 10 starts in his rookie campaign in 1995. He has a 68-49 record with 482 saves, good for second best all-time behind San Diego's Trevor Hoffman (554).

Rivers is signed through the 2010 season with New York, which missed the playoffs for the first time since 1993.