Nova set for final rehab start before return
MIAMI -- Right-hander Ivan Nova will make another rehab start on Friday before joining the Yankees' rotation.
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Manager Joe Girardi said the organization will give Nova an extra day and another outing, though where it takes place is to be determined. Both Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Double-A Trenton will be on the road this weekend.
"We just feel that we want to make sure he's finished off," Girardi said. "It's not something that's easy to make an adjustment, say we wish we had one more start. We talked about it for a couple of days. We think it's better to know he's ready to go and ready to handle the rigors of throwing every fifth day and all that."
Nova, who pitched six innings of one-run ball on Saturday for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, scattered five hits with three strikeouts and one walk during his second Minor League rehab outing. He threw 50 of 73 pitches for strikes.
The 28-year-old righty underwent Tommy John surgery on April 29, 2014. Should his start go as anticipated, he would return for the Phillies series (June 22-24).
"They thought his fastball was good, his changeup was good," Girardi said. "Curveball was not as sharp as they've seen it. That just could've been the day. For us, like I said, we waited a long time, and to give him one more start and make sure that he's ready, I think, is probably the best thing to do."
• Garrett Jones started over Carlos Beltran in right field for Monday's opener at Marlins Park, facing his former club. He spent just nine games (seven starts) in right for Miami last season. Beltran hasn't played since Saturday.
"He had a little minor hamstring thing," Girardi said of Beltran. "Garrett played well yesterday. I'm giving him another day, then I'll probably get Carlos back tomorrow. It's fine. I could use him tonight. … I figured I'd give him another day to make sure he's OK."
• In the latest American League All-Star voting update, no Yankees player was in line to start. The Royals, meanwhile, have eight of the nine starting spots.
"It's a fan vote, and obviously their fans are very active," Girardi said of the All-Star support for the Royals. "I've often thought that if it counts for something, it should be the managers and the general mangers picking who the starters are based on the years guys are having. But it's a fan vote, and that's the way we want it. I'm not surprised it's happening. They created a huge buzz last year around the country -- especially in their home state -- so I'm not surprised."