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With the way that this season has gone for the Yankees, hearing this about their best starting pitcher, Hiroki Kuroda, had to strike fear in everyone. A trip to the disabled list isn't the worst possible scenario, but it really isn't what this team needs right now at all.
Was told Kuroda went back to New York to have tests for possible leg issue. Nova threw in bullpen and could start Friday if Kuroda can't.
— David Waldstein (@DavidWaldstein) July 3, 2013
Fortunately for Kuroda and Yankees fans alike, the matter doesn't seem to be a serious one this time.
Kuroda had tenderness in left hip flexor. MRI in NYC was clean but he will not start Friday. Nova starts instead
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) July 3, 2013
Ivan Nova will start in place of Kuroda on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles, but it seems like the Yankees' best pitcher this season will avoid a trip to the disabled list or the place where they perform season-ending surgery. File this one under bullet dodged and hope that Nova brings his A-Game on Friday against a tough division rival that has an offense more than capable of making him pay for his mistakes.