MLB

Nova’s first to spring into action

TAMPA — It won’t be much of a sample, but it will be the first one in the Yankees’ competition between four pitchers for three spots in manager Joe Girardi’s rotation.

Ivan Nova will work two innings or throw 35 pitches today against the Phillies in Clearwater in the Yankees’ first exhibition game.

Earlier this week, Girardi said ace CC Sabathia and newcomer Hiroki Kuroda were in. That left Freddy Garcia, Phil Hughes, Michael Pineda and Nova competing for the other three openings.

“I am a big believer that nothing is given in life,’’ Girardi said. “I am making sure when we leave spring training, we take the five best. And to be fair there are no guarantees.’’

Nova, who won 16 games as a rookie last season, will be followed by Garcia tomorrow and Pineda on Monday. Sabathia and Hughes will work Tuesday and Kuroda on Wednesday.

Of the four starters without a spot, the 25-year-old Nova appears to be the early leader. He doesn’t have Garcia’s experience, Pineda’s fastball or Hughes’ 18-game win season. Nevertheless, he was 16-4 with a 3.70 ERA last season when the Yankees mistakenly sent him to Triple-A for almost a month to make room for Hughes, who came off the disabled list.

george.king@nypost.com