KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When referencing Mariano Rivera’s torn right ACL, Milwaukee pitcher Yovani Gallardo is mentioned.

In 2008 Gallardo suffered the same injury on May 1, had surgery, pitched at the end of the regular season and in the playoffs. Of course, he was 22 at the time, not 42 like Rivera.

So, there is a small group of people that are holding out hope that Rivera can return this season.

Though Yankees manager Joe Girardi would love to see Rivera in September, he isn’t counting on it.

“I think it’s really doubtful,” Girardi said. “You are worried about his strength and stability. That’s a big part of pitching.”

According to Girardi, Rivera will be examined by doctors in New York Monday and Tuesday. While he didn’t identify the doctors, it’s likely that Yankees physician Chris Ahmad and Mets doctor David Altchek will look at the knee.

Altchek operated on Rivera’s right shoulder following the 2008 season.