Yankees’ Nova back on mound in loss to Rays

Nova finished with seven strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks. He also hit two hit batters.

INDIANS — Cleveland first baseman Nick Swisher had a dubious return after missing six games with a sore left shoulder. The switch hitter batted cleanup against visiting Minnesota and went 0-for-5 in a 5-3 loss, and Swisher is now 6-for-60 in his last 66 at-bats (.091).

TWINS — Minnesota righthander Mike Pelfrey (3-6, 6.11 ERA) was scratched from his start at Cleveland because of a back strain, and he was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

RANGERS — Texas put outfielder Craig Gentry on the 15day disabled list with a nondisplaced fracture of his left hand.

The New York Yankees recalled Ivan Nova from TripleA to start Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays, and the righthander had a strong outing until allowing two runs in the seventh inning of a 3-1 home loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

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