Joe Girardi announced Friday that CC Sabathia will be the team’s fifth starter. He will pitch in an intrasquad game on Sunday, and then make his first start of the season April 9 at Detroit. Ivan Nova will begin the season in the bullpen.
Both Sabathia and Nova have had their ups and downs this spring. Sabathia went 1-3 with a 5.51 ERA in five starts, giving up 20 hits in 16.1 innings. Nova pitched to a 4.13 ERA in six starts and surrendered 20 hits in 24 innings. He turned in the best start by a Yankee this spring on Wednesday, tossing six scoreless innings against the Braves, but it wasn’t enough to save him from the pen.
Sabathia, of course, is hoping that a clear mind and new knee brace can translate into positive results on the mound. The Yankees have hinted that the Opening Day rotation may not be what we see in June or July, so Sabathia will have to pitch well enough in order to keep his spot.
In case of injury or poor performance, Nova will be first in line to step in.
CC Sabathia is 5th starter. Will pitch intrasquad game Sun in Tampa, then make start next Sat at Detroit.
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) April 1, 2016
