He’s baaaaack. Ivan Nova is back in the rotation after recovering from Tommy John the past 14 months. His first opponent? Cole Hamels (5-5, 2.96 ERA) and the Phillies. Nova threw 84 pitches in his last Triple-A rehab start getting tagged for five runs on on seven hits through five. He didn’t have his command in that game, but he’s not worried.
I didn’t pitch good, but it was the only bad one through the whole process. Even here in the Major Leagues, you’re gonna have times when you don’t pitch good. So I don’t make any excuses about it. You know, it’s not the same excitement pitching in the minors when you know you can be on the big league team.
Hamels missed his last start due to a strained right hamstring. His last start was back on June 14 when he held the Pirates scoreless through seven on four hits and 12 K’s. All eyes will be on Hamels as the Phillies are looking to move their ace before the July 31 trade deadline.
Obviously the challenge is great in facing Cole Hamels. He’s an outstanding pitcher, and he’s been an outstanding pitcher for a long time. I’m curious to see him pitch. -Joe Girardi
Tidbits:
The Phillies have scored 31 runs in their previous three games after scoring 19 in the 10 games before that.
This will be Nova’s first time facing the Phillies.
The Yanks have scored 67 runs in the first inning, which is the best in the League. They have scored in the first inning 30 out of 71 games.
1:05 pm on Yes.
