In his first match-up, New York Yankees rookie pitcher Ivan Nova will take on the Minnesota Twins. Technically, it is not Nova’s first time pitching in the Bronx, but it is his debut as the official fourth starter in the 2011 pitching rotation.
Nova popped up mid-pennant race last season for seven starts; he posted a 1-2 record, a 4.50 ERA, striking out 26, over 42 innings pitched. He walked 17 batters and allowed 21 earn runs, but Nova’s overall performance wasn’t as bad as the stats make it seem. Still, the Nova from last year would not have been named as the Yankees fourth starter.
