Ivan Nova Struggles in Phillies Spring Debut vs Tigers

Veteran Ivan Nova got the starting nod for the Philadelphia Phillies in Sunday’s spring training opener against the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland.

The right-hander had a rough outing, giving up five runs on three hits and threw 27 pitches in his Phillies debut, serving up a first-pitch home run to Willi Castro.

“He was just off a little bit, he wasn’t attacking the zone,” manager Joe Girardi told reporters after the game. “I don’t really make too much out of it.”

The 34-year-old is competing for one of the final spots in the Phillies’ rotation this spring after signing a minor-league deal this offseason. Nova, who pitched for Girardi while with the Yankees, is a long-shot to make the starting rotation and while the skipper down-played the results, it wasn't a great first impression.

One pitcher who was impressive was 29-year old Bryan Mitchell. The right-hander tossed tow innings, striking out three.

Center fielder Adam Haseley provided the offense for the Phillies, with a lead-off an opposite-field homer off Tigers lefty Tyler Alexander.

Haseley is in a battle for the center field position with Scott Kingery, Roman Quinn and Odubel Herrera to secure an everyday role this season.

The Phillies would go on to lose the game, 10-2

Aaron Nola will get the start on Monday against the Orioles in the Grapefruit league home opener.