via MLB.com
Ivan Nova said that his sprained right ankle improved overnight and the Yankees right-hander is hopeful that he will be able to make his next turn in the rotation.
Nova, who twisted his ankle fielding a Wilson Betemit grounder in Monday’s 8-5 Yankees win over the Orioles, is scheduled to pitch on Saturday against the Reds at Yankee Stadium.
“It hurts a little bit, but not like last night,” Nova said. “Last night was really bad. They took care of it, and it’s much better right now.”
Nova had the ankle tightly wrapped on Tuesday. Manager Joe Girardi said that no sure decision could be announced yet about the righty’s next start, and he added that the Yankees could wait until game time on Saturday.
“I can’t tell you if he’s going to make his start or not,” Girardi said. “Our plans are for him to make his start, but we’ll see how he feels again tomorrow and if he can do his bullpen.”
Nova said that he normally would throw a bullpen session on Wednesday, though he could push it back to Thursday and still be ready to face Cincinnati.
“I think I’m going to make [the start],” Nova said. “I feel really good — not, like, 100 percent, but I feel really good.”
