As everybody probably knows by now, CC Sabathia is on the disabled list with a groin injury.

The New York Yankees have always been, predominantly, an offensive team. Now that their ace will sit out for a while, the team need one of their pitchers to step up and be an ace in the meantime.

I choose you, Ivan Nova. The numbers clearly point into his direction.

Nova, who is entering his third season as a Yankee pitcher, had an amazing month of June. 

In four starts in the month he only allowed 4 ER in 28.1 innings pitched, which is good for a 1.27 ERA. 

He has not done it against weak opponents either.

Nova's last four starts have come against their division rival, Tampa Bay Rays and NL East counterparts, Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves and New York Mets.

The NL East is the toughest division in the National League, and Nova was able to help the Yankees defeat the top three teams of that division. 

Overall, Nova's numbers are lackluster. He struggled in the first months of the season. He had a plus-5.00 ERA in April and May, but managed to win 6 games in both months combined.

He has a 4.25 ERA and has given up 15 homeruns. However, he still possesses a 9-2 record. 

For some reason CC Sabathia was awarded the Yankees' pitcher of the month of June after posting a 3.03 ERA in five starts. An award that should have gone to Nova.

Without a doubt, other Yankee pitchers will have to step up to fill in the void. 

Hiroki Kurod has been pitching well as of late and Phil Hughes has had one bad outing in the past month, which came against the Braves.

Andy Pettitte has to rise, not as an ace, but as a leader in the pitching staff. He has plenty of years of experience and can further help these younger pitchers, at least Nova and Hughes, develop in the Majors.

It has just been reported, however, that Pettitte suffered an ankle injury and will be out approximately six weeks.

Tough news.

Manager Joe Girardi will ask Freddie Garcia to step into CC's shoes.

Hell of a task.

So far this season, Garcia is 1-2 with a 6.91 ERA. He started 4 games in April, but was absolutely slaughtered. 

Since then, he has been used as a reliever and has faired well from the bullpen.

Now Yankees will have to find another pitcher to make it to their starting rotation. 

Trade market anybody?