Yankees vs. Red Sox: David Phelps to start Game 2, not Ivan Nova

New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi has decided to pull sophomore Ivan Nova from the pitching rotation and insert rookie David Phelps, MLB.com's Bryan Hoch is reporting. Phelps (4-4, 3.34 ERA) will pitch Game 2 of the Yankees' season-ending three-game series with the visiting Boston Red Sox, who will toss lefty Jon Lester (9-14, 4.94 ERA).

According to Hoch's report, Nova (12-8, 5.02 ERA) was made aware of the decision and said he was disappointed but knew that his performance lately could have led to this situation. In September, Nova has an ERA of 6.23 in just 13 innings pitched, while Phelps made four starts and a few relief appearance that had steady results.

On Monday, New York (92-67) begins its critical series with its long-time rival with CC Sabathia (14-6) on the mound opposing Clay Buchholz (11-7, 4.22). Game 3 will feature the Yankees' Hiroki Kuroda (15-11) facing Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-6, 7.68 ERA).