(TAMPA, Fla.) -- New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera pitched one-inning of a simulated game Thursday.

The 43-year-old, 12-time All-Star threw 18 pitches in the outing. He also fielded balls off the mound for the first time since he had ACL surgery on his right knee last May.

"That's what I wanted to do, field some bunts, go after some balls in between first and the mound, and just plant and throw," Rivera said. "It feels good, guys, it feels real good. It was perfect."

Rivera, who is entering his 19th season with the Yankees, is Major League Baseball's all-time saves leader with 608.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio