Nova on Thin Ice?

From NorthJersey.com:

Manager Joe Girardi clearly was dissatisfied by Ivan Nova’s lack of aggression in Saturday night’s no-decision, and the right-hander might have a loose grip on his rotation spot. Girardi said Nova would take his next turn Friday at Anaheim, though Nova should fix the wildness he displayed in his 3 2/3-inning start at Safeco Field.

"He has the ability to do it. He’s just not doing it," Girardi said, noting that Nova was a predictable two-pitch pitcher Saturday without any command of his curveball. "At times he looks very, very good for us. And then at times he’s had trouble throwing strikes." In his past four starts, Nova is 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA.

During those 18 2/3 innings, he’s yielded 30 hits and eight walks. Is that a sign of regression? "I guess we’ll have a better idea after his next start," Girardi said. Meanwhile, ex-Cubs veteran right-hander Carlos Silva is starting at Class AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre and soon might be an option.

The kid is 4-3, with a 4.67 ERA. Not great, but certainly not that bad for a 24-year-old in his second big league season. And while he's struggled lately, I don't think this is the time to start talking about taking him out of the rotation. Honestly, at this point who is really a better option? Carlos Silva? I don't think so.