Rivera to throw in bullpen today

Tampa, Fla. — Yankees closer Mariano Rivera will throw in the bullpen today as he works his way back from a groin strain.

Rivera could throw batting practice and pitch in a minor-league game next week.

“It’s getting better. Right now we’re in the process of looking forward to tomorrow,” he said Friday.

Rivera is expected to rejoin the Yankees in late April. He threw off flat ground for 10 minutes and went through running and agility drills Friday.

Reds, Hamilton agree to minor-league deal

Cincinnati — Right-hander Joey Hamilton agreed to a minor-league deal Friday with the Cincinnati Reds.

Hamilton went 4-10 with a 5.27 ERA in 17 starts and 22 relief appearances for the Reds last year. He rejected an offer of salary arbitration after the season, leaving him a free agent. Hamilton isn’t eligible to pitch for the Reds until May 1.

He signed with St. Louis and had a 6.30 ERA in nine spring appearances before the Cardinals released him March 26. He’ll pitch for the Reds’ Triple-A Louisville team.

Former pitcher Ribant pleads innocent to felony

Newport Beach, Calif. — Former big-league pitcher Dennis Ribant pleaded innocent Friday to one count of bribery and two felony counts of state income tax evasion for filing false income tax returns. Ribant, who sells life insurance, appeared in Orange County Superior Court before Commissioner Cheryl L. Leinnger. A pretrial hearing for Ribant is scheduled May 8 and a preliminary hearing is scheduled June 4.

Ribant, 61, was arrested Feb. 21 on charges of filing false state income tax returns and attempting to bribe an auditor.