New York Yankees: Problems with the Starting Rotation

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Aug 25, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Ivan Nova (47) hands the ball to manager Joe Girardi (28) after being taken out of the game in the fifth inning after giving up seven runs against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Ivan Nova’s return from Tommy John surgery was a success with the fact that he stayed healthy when he returned. He also, responded well when Joe Girardi temporarily dropped him form the rotation.

Nova looks like the Yankees’ sixth starter, which doesn’t necessarily mean he’s out of the rotation mix. Best case scenario for Nova is that he ends up making 20-plus starts this season with his 2012 form that helped the Yankees clinch the AL East.

If not, it seems logical that he transitions into the bullpen as a long man, essentially replacing Adam Warren. Nova could play a significant role in either the bullpen or the rotation, and he might see some time in each.

But the reality is, we haven’t seen the better Ivan Nova take the mound in a while. He had an 8.27 ERA in his four starts before Tommy John surgery in 2014, and after a decent first few starts last season, he was bad enough late in the year that he was bumped out of the rotation.

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The worst-case scenario is that the Yankees desperately need Nova to be a reliable starter, only to have him fall flat yet again when trusted with a rotation job. His best stretches have been impressive, but his worst stretches have been depressing given all the potential he has.

Given the Yankees thin rotation depth beyond Nova, the scenario of him falling flat could trigger a series of events that leave the Yankees’ rotation severely lacking.

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