ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Joe Girardi said it’s imperative to get Ivan Nova back to being an effective pitcher, but the Yankees manager is sticking with Vidal Nuno for Saturday’s start against the Rays at Tropicana Field.
Activated from the 15-day disabled list Friday, Nova took a seat in the bullpen. Because long man Adam Warren threw 60 pitches Wednesday against the Orioles, he wasn’t available in the Yankees’ 9-4 win over the Rays Friday night and is doubtful for Saturday’s game.
Girardi said he won’t ask Nova, who didn’t pitch, to enter a game in the middle of an inning, so it appears Nova has been cast as a long reliever.
“I am not a bullpen guy, but that’s where they have me right now,’’ said Nova, who was 1-1 with a bloated 6.48 ERA before going on the disabled list on April 27 with an inflamed right triceps. While on the shelf, he experienced a rib cage problem in the left side that didn’t turn out to be serious. “I am not thinking bullpen the rest of the year. If I get an opportunity [to start], I have to make the most of it.’’
With Andy Pettitte returning to the rotation from the DL soon, Nuno will go back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Nova will stay in the pen.
“Our plan is for him to be in the bullpen and get back on track,’’ Girardi said. “We need him to help us.’’
The Yankees could have kept Nova, who last worked Monday in an extended spring training, on the DL. Or they could have optioned him to the minors where he could work as a starter. Instead, they put him in the bullpen.
Given a choice, Nova said being a big league reliever suits him better than being a minor league starter.
“I really believe this kid can help us, we have to get him back on track,’’ Girardi said.
* Chris Stewart was behind the plate and went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. It was his first action since May 16, when he suffered a left groin injury running the bases.
Stewart, who said he came out of the game fine, went through an afternoon running program that was witnessed by Girardi, trainer Steve Donahue, third base coach Rob Thomson and bench coach Tony Pena.
“Not being able to play has been tough,’’ he said.
Austin Romine started the five games Stewart missed.
* Pettitte played catch for the second straight day and increased the distance. The next test is Saturday when the 40-year-old left-hander throws a bullpen session, then “probably a simulated game if everything goes good,’’ Pettitte said. of what the next step after today will be. “That’s what we are talking about. For me [today] is a big day for me to see if it tightens up.’’
Pettitte, on the DL with a trapezius muscle problem in the left side of his back, is eligible to be activated on June 1.
* Girardi remains convinced Hiroki Kuroda will make his next start Tuesday against the Mets.
“I don’t have any doubt,’’ Girardi said of the right-hander who left Wednesday’s game against the Orioles after two innings because of a bruised right calf.
* Joba Chamberlain is scheduled to throw two innings of relief in an extended spring training game today at the minor league complex.
“Everything feels good. I continue to build up strength,’’ said Chamberlain, on the DL with a strained right oblique muscle.
* Robinson Cano was awarded first base on a hit-by-pitch in the three-run fifth inning Friday night, though the ball didn’t hit his hand.
“It hit my bat,’’ said Cano, who went 1-for-2 and walked twice.
Rays manager Joe Maddon intentionally walked Cano with runners on first and second and two outs in the first. The strategy worked when Vernon Wells popped up.
* Alex Rodriguez took ground balls while on his knees and standing up at the Tampa complex. He then took batting practice in the indoor cage.