Ivan Nova to throw batting practice

Ivan Nova is taking another step towards coming back to the Bronx. Nova will throw his first live batting practice to hitters on Tuesday since his Tommy John surgery last April, according to ESPN Deportes' Marly Rivera.

Good news for @IvanNova47, who'll face hitters during live BP tomorrow in Tampa for first time since his Tommy John surgery (April 29, 2014)

— Marly~ESPN Deportes (@MarlyRiveraESPN) April 13, 2015 The Yankees have gotten decent starting pitching through the first six games despite going 2-4. Nova could be a big boost if he comes back in the middle of the season. His return could push Adam Warren back to the bullpen where he has thrived throughout his career. Nova made just four starts in 2014 going 2-2 with an 8.75 ERA.

Nova told me he’s “excited and a little nervous” about facing hitters for first time since 4/19/04 (UCL tear, Tropicana Field) — Marly~ESPN Deportes (@MarlyRiveraESPN) April 13, 2015