Iván Nova, a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic, embarked on his Major League Baseball career with the New York Yankees. Signed as an amateur free agent in 2004, Nova spent several years honing his skills in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut on May 13, 2010. His early years with the Yankees were marked by a blend of promise and development, as he worked to establish himself in a competitive pitching rotation.
Nova's rookie season in 2010 saw him appear in 10 games, starting seven of them. He posted a 4.50 ERA, demonstrating potential that the Yankees hoped to cultivate. The following year, Nova's performance improved significantly. In 2011, he became a regular in the Yankees' starting rotation, finishing the season with a 16-4 record and a 3.70 ERA over 165.1 innings pitched. His efforts earned him a fourth-place finish in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, highlighting his growth as a pitcher.
The 2012 season presented challenges for Nova, as he struggled with consistency. Despite a 12-8 record, his ERA rose to 5.02, and he allowed more home runs than in previous years. Injuries also began to play a role in his career, affecting his performance and availability. In 2013, Nova bounced back with a solid season, posting a 9-6 record and a 3.10 ERA, and he was named the American League Pitcher of the Month in August.
In 2014, Nova faced a significant setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season and a portion of 2015. Upon his return, he worked to regain his form, but his performance was inconsistent. In 2016, the Yankees traded Nova to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he found a fresh start. With the Pirates, Nova quickly adapted and delivered a strong finish to the season, recording a 3.06 ERA in 11 starts.
Nova continued to pitch for the Pirates through the 2018 season, serving as a reliable arm in their rotation. His tenure in Pittsburgh was characterized by steady, if unspectacular, performances. In December 2018, Nova was traded to the Chicago White Sox, where he spent the 2019 season. With the White Sox, he made 34 starts, the most in his career for a single season, and posted a 4.72 ERA.
In 2020, Nova signed with the Detroit Tigers, but the season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He made just four starts for the Tigers, struggling with a 8.53 ERA before being placed on the injured list. This marked the end of his time in Major League Baseball, as he did not pitch in the majors after the 2020 season.
Throughout his career, Iván Nova was known for his ability to induce ground balls and his effective use of a sinking fastball.
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