TAMPA, Fla. -- New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera reported no problems with his strained right shoulder after throwing off a bullpen mound Wednesday.

	Rivera

It was the second time in as many days the right-hander worked off a mound.

''Mo feels really, really good,'' Yankees manager Joe Torre said.

The All-Star was put on the disabled list for the third time this season on Aug. 19. Before this season, Rivera had been on the DL only once.

After being sidelined from June 10-25 because of a strained right groin, his shoulder began hurting. Rivera went back on the DL on July 26.

''Last time he came back, there was a certain hesitancy,'' Torre said. ''I don't know what it was, but I heard a different voice today.''

Torre said the ideal timetable for Rivera's return was for him to be back for the last 10 days of the regular season.

Rivera, who resumed playing catch last Friday, expects to pitch again this season. After throwing Saturday and Sunday at the Yankees' minor league complex, Rivera flew to Birmingham, Ala., to see Dr. James Andrews.

Andrews concurred with the earlier diagnosis, clearing the way for Rivera to intensify his workouts.

He is 1-4 with 27 saves and a 2.85 ERA this season.