Yankees’ Ivan Nova: ‘I’m not a reliever’

New York Yankees right hander Ivan Nova doesn’t like the thought of coming out of the bullpen for New York in 2016, and is determined to make the starting rotation. 

Coming off a putrid 2015, his first year back from Tommy John Surgery, Nova is competing for a role in the 2016 starting rotation. While it seems likely that his inevitable role will be the long man with an occasional start, similar to Adam Warren‘s role, he’ll do everything within his power to win a rotation job in Spring Training.

Nova said to the New York Post on Thursday that he’ll accept the role, but the inconsistent righty does not foresee any improvements if he becomes a reliever.

“I’m a starting pitcher,” Nova told the Post. “I’m not a reliever, but if that’s what they tell me to do, that’s what I’ve got to do. If I feel bad going to the bullpen, what’s that going to change?”

Nova was out of action for nearly a year after Tommy John Surgery and returned with a quality start against the Philadelphia Phillies in June. But that was one of the very few bright moments in the bleak return from injury as he went 6-11 with a 5.07 ERA in 19 starts.

“If there’s going to be a time for him (Nova) to put his best foot forward, if he’s on a salary drive, this would be the year for it. Hopefully we’ll benefit from it.”-Brian Cashman

The Yankees tried to trade Nova during the winter, but there were no buyers and it left New York stuck on what to do with him this season. Nova will be a free agent following the 2016 season and it seems as if this season is his last chance to impress his organization and help the Yankees win a World Series championship.

If he’s going to earn a spot in the rotation, he’ll have to out pitch CC Sabathia and Bryan Mitchell in Spring Training. Sabathia finished a disappointing 2015 with a promising 2.89 ERA in his final nine starts, and gave the Yankees hope that his new knee brace will help him succeed in 2016.

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In addition to the hope that CC returns to his usual form, he’s owed $25 million this year, and is considered to be a leader in the clubhouse. I also think it’s easier for Sabathia to get his work in as a starter rather than coming out of the pen due to the fact that he has never had a regular relief role.