Nova, Bastardo optimistic about joining Bucs

ATLANTA — Before being traded from the Yankees to the Pirates ahead of Monday’s non-waiver Trade Deadline, Ivan Nova heard good things about his new team from none other than Francisco Liriano.

The pair of starting pitchers grew up together in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, and over the past couple of seasons, Liriano raved about the Pittsburgh organization to Nova.

And as the dust settled on Monday and Liriano found himself on the way to the Blue Jays, the left-hander took one last chance to paint Nova a clear picture of what to expect with the Pirates.

“He said you’re going to like it, you’re going to love it.” Nova said of his conversation with Liriano. “… That was his first reaction. He told me, ‘You’re going to love it there. They’re a great team with a great coaching staff.’ And I look forward to it.”

Ahead of Tuesday’s series opener vs. the Braves, Nova and Antonio Bastardo — who Pittsburgh acquired from the Mets in exchange for Jonathon Niese — both expressed their excitement about their new opportunities.

After spending seven years with the Yankees, Nova …

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