Nova asks to get second opinion on right elbow

BOSTON -- Ivan Nova has requested that noted sports orthopedist Dr. James Andrews offer a second opinion on his partially torn right ulnar collateral ligament, the Yankees said on Wednesday.

Nova was examined on Tuesday by team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York, where an MRI arthrogram confirmed the original diagnosis of a partial tear -- an injury that often leads to Tommy John surgery.

The recovery time for Tommy John surgery would be approximately 12-18 months, knocking Nova out of action for the rest of this year as well as the beginning of next season.

Nova sustained the injury during an April 19 start against the Rays at Tropicana Field and has been replaced by left-hander Vidal Nuno in the rotation. Nova was 2-2 with an 8.27 ERA in four starts for New York this season.