Ivan Nova noted Saturday that he's approaching spring training as if he's still in competition for a spot in the Yankees Opening Day rotation. Nova eluded to CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda and Masahiro Tanaka as the only locks in the rotation, and is intent on proving he deserves one of the final two spots. While it's nice to see the humility, the 27-year-old is virtually locked into that fourth spot after posting a terrific 3.10 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 116/44 K/BB ratio over 139 1/3 innings in 2013.

Yankees avoided arbitration with RHP Ivan Nova by agreeing to a one-year, $3.3 million contract. It's a sizable raise for the right-hander in his first year of arbitration eligibility. Nova had his best season to date last year, posting a 3.10 ERA with 116 strikeouts across 139 1/3 frames.

Ivan Nova took a loss after allowing two runs in seven innings Thursday versus the Rays. Nova was sharp, but the run support wasn't there tonight. He ends the year 9-6 with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts and three relief appearances. Unlike this spring, there will be no uncertainty regarding his rotation spot as the Yankees head to camp next year.

Ivan Nova went the distance in a 6-0 win over the Giants on Saturday. Nova was brilliant, allowing six hits and one walk while striking out seven. This was his third career complete game and second shutout, all of them coming this year. The 26-year-old had scuffled over his previous three starts, so this was very nice to see. He'll attempt to wrap up an encouraging season with a favorable matchup against the Astros next week.

Ivan Nova struggled in Sunday's loss to the Red Sox, surrendering four runs on six hits over his four innings of work. Nova also issued four free passes while striking out two. The Red Sox jumped on him early in this one, with David Ortiz lining an RBI double in the first inning, and riding home on a two-run blast by Mike Napoli. Nova will carry a 3.36 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 104/42 K/BB ratio into Saturday's start against the Giants.

Ivan Nova (triceps) expects to make his next scheduled start Saturday against the Red Sox. Nova was removed from Tuesday's start for precautionary reasons, but he made it through his betweeen-starts bullpen session with no issues. The 26-year-old owns a 2.56 ERA over his last 12 starts, so the Yankees are breathing a sigh of relief that it's nothing serious.

Ivan Nova was charged with four runs on six hits and two walks over six innings in Tuesday's 7-5 victory over the Orioles. Nova was able to hold the Orioles in check until the fifth inning, when Chris "Crush" Davis put an exclamation point on a four-run frame with a two-run blast. The righty was removed after throwing just 79 pitches due to minor tightness in his right triceps, but the Yankees think he'll be fine for his next outing this weekend in Boston. Nova has been the Yankees' best starter since rejoining the rotation in early July, posting a 2.56 ERA over 12 starts.

Ivan Nova was removed after giving up three runs in four innings against the Red Sox on Thursday. Nova threw 96 pitches in the four innings, including 47 in the third alone, so taking him out seemed like the right call; the American League's Pitcher of the Month for August will live to fight another day. He's slated to face the Orioles next.

Ivan Nova tossed his first career shutout in a 2-0 win over the Orioles on Saturday. Nova was dominant, limiting the Orioles to just three hits (all singles) and one walk while striking out five. Only one baserunner even made it to second base. He needed just 104 pitches to finish off the victory. With a 2.88 ERA and 97/34 K/BB ratio over 109 1/3 innings, Nova is quietly enjoying a breakthrough season. He lines up for a start against the Red Sox next Thursday at home.

Ivan Nova gave up four runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings Tuesday against the Blue Jays, yet he still won for the ninth time this season. Nova's results are getting worse, but his run support is getting better. This was the first time in 11 starts since he rejoined the rotation that he surrendered more than three runs. Struggling to command his curveball, he struck out just two batters today. The Blue Jays, though, failed to sustain rallies outside of their four-run second. A line-drive double play that ended a promising third inning helped Nova's cause.