The Yankees planned to demote Ivan Nova after his start against the White Sox on Thursday night, but couldn't do so after he struck out 10 batters and walked none. Because of that, New York is moving towards a six-man rotation "because for our purposes, it works right now," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. With less than two months remaining before the playoffs, the Yankees are still waiting for a clear No. 2 to develop despite their depth. They had hoped that A.J. Burnett would seize the spot, but that has yet to happen. Both manager Joe Girardi and general manager Brian Cashman defended Burnett, and said he has pitched well this year. Cashman said the decision to keep Burnett in the rotation has nothing to do with his $82.5 million contract. Girardi and Cashman each noted Burnett has outpitched Phil Hughes on the season.