Yankee News: Three Yankees on the Mend

Ivan Nova last year tore a ligament in his pitching elbow that required him to get season ending Tommy John surgery. Nova is moving forward in the right direction, pitching against minor leaguers on Monday. He threw an inning, and was able to throw 12 strikes on 15 pitches.

"‘Felt awesome,’ Nova said. ‘I’m happy with the progress I’m making. Every pitch was right where I wanted it.’"

Ivan Nova was just starting to figure out how to pitch, and becoming a very good pitcher. He has a career record of 40-22, and in his last full season (2013) Nova had an era of 3.10. When Ivan Nova comes back he will likely be plugged in as the teams fourth or fifth starter, and can really solidify the starting rotation. Nova is planning to be back with the Yankees some time in June.

Chris Capuano resigned with the Yankees in the off-season to be the teams fifth starter. In a spring training game earlier this year, Capuano strained his right quad, and placed on the disable list. Now, on the comeback trail, he just threw in his second extended spring training game against Philadelphia’s minor league players. Capuano threw the equivalent of four scoreless innings, striking out seven, and only giving up one hit. Capuano is projected to be ready to pitch for the Yankees by mid-May.

When Chris Capuano is ready to pitch, he could be in limbo with the Yankee pitching staff. If Adam Warren continues to improve and pitch well for the Yankees, then Chris will not be a starter for the Yankees. The Yankee bullpen has been fantastic, and there is no room in the pen for the crafty lefty. It will be very interesting come mid-May to see what happens with the return of Chris Capuano.

Brendan Ryan was able to see some action in his first extended spring game the other day. Ryan played five innings, and was able to get two hits. He is recovering from a right calf injury suffered back in spring training as well.

More from Yanks Go Yard

• Should Yankees toss short-term extension at Harrison Bader before 2023?
• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees State of the Farm System Review: Josh Breaux
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• MLB insider claims favorite emerging in Bryan Reynolds rumors (not Yankees)