Ivan Nova in stopper role

Yankee pitching coach Dave Eiland has called Ivan Nova ``fearless.''  

Nova (1-0, 2.92) starts tonight against Tampa Bay's Matt Garza (14-8, 3.68).  The Yankees  have lost four straight and now trail the Rays by a 1/2 game in the AL East.  

Eiland's label  became operative after Nova's first major league start in Toronto. Nova had no problem jawing at slugger Jose Bautista when the major league leader in home runs shouted at him over a pitch that Bautista deemed too close to his head.  Nova responded with some ``bring it on'' body language.

Nova pitched 5 1/3 innings to a no decision that day.  He won his next start, against the White Sox, giving up one earned run in 5 2/3 innings. Nova earned another stripe of sorts for being unhappy at Joe Girardi when the manager pulled him one out shy of qualifying for a victory in another start against Toronto. Girardi said he would have been annoyed if Nova had not been upset by his removal.

Regardless of what happens tonight, Nova is likely to start against the Rays next week at  Yankee Stadium when the teams meet for four games.