Nova delivers in what could be last start for White Sox
It was a forgettable first half of the season for Ivan Nova.
Joining the White Sox last winter in a trade from the Pirates, Nova looked a lot like James Shields while going 4-7 with a 5.58 ERA.
The 32-year-old righty was much better after the all-star break, and Nova finished on a strong note in his final start of the season Saturday night.
In a 4-3 loss to the Tigers in Game 2 of a doubleheader at Guaranteed Rate Field Saturday night, Nova gave up 1 run over 5 innings. He was 7-5 with a 3.84 ERA in the second half and 11-12 with a 4.72 ERA overall.
"I didn't start really well this season," Nova said. "I was able to pitch a lot better, especially in the second half. I would love to have the numbers be a little bit better. But I stayed healthy the whole year and pitched a lot better in the second half."
Nova is a free agent after the season ends Sunday, and he knows where he'd like to pitch.
"I would love to be here," Nova said. "But it's not on me. There are a lot of pieces that have to be in place. If I have the opportunity, I would come back."
Leading Detroit 2-1 in the ninth inning, closer Alex Colome gave up a 3-run homer to pinch-hitter John Hicks. Yoan Moncada hit a pinch-hit homer in the bottom of the ninth.
The White Sox were 59-0 this season when leading after the eighth inning.
"Sometimes you miss a pitch and this is the result you get," Colome said through a translator. "It was a very good season. I'm very glad for the opportunity (manager) Ricky (Renteria) gave me. I had a lot of fun on this team with my teammates. I will say this was a very good season for me."
Cease update:
After being scratched from Thursday's start against the Twins after injuring his hamstring warming up in the bullpen, an MRI revealed Sox right-hander Dylan Cease has a Grade 1 (mild) strain.
The normal recovery time is 2-4 weeks, and Cease has the whole offseason to heal up.
The 23-year-old rookie was pleased with his season despite going 4-7 with a 5.79 ERA in 14 starts.
"I feel like I figured out the adjustment I needed to make, the physical adjustment, and from there just following the same process and get ready, lift weights, get ready for the upcoming season," Cease said. "I feel really good with the experience I got this season."
White Sox general manager Rick Hahn feels the same way.
"Overall, been very pleased with his experience in Chicago," Hahn said. "I'm not too hung up on the won/loss record or (the) ERA. I'm looking more at the progress he made in between starts, his preparation, the improvement with some of the fastball command, some of the things he did on the side to put himself in the position to take full advantage of a very impressive arsenal.
"He's still young, he's still going to have some growing pains next year at the big-league level, but certainly pleased with what he did this year and he's another guy who heads into this offseason who should feel like he belongs here and that he has the ability to be better."
Birthday boy:
Infielder Danny Mendick celebrated his 26th birthday Saturday with plenty of family members in the seats at Guaranteed Rate Field.
The Sox's rookie made the day even more memorable with a home run in Game 1 against the Tigers.
"It's been awesome," said Mendick, who joined the White Sox from Class AAA Charlotte on Sept. 3. "I have my family here right now, so it's a cool moment to share. I worked hard and I'm glad I'm here. Trying to take advantage of every opportunity I get so I can stay here in the future."