NEW YORK — The words poured out of Joe Girardi’s mouth, though Ivan Nova just sat there, too stunned to comprehend.

Last July, within the walls of the manager’s office at Citi Field, Girardi informed Nova he had been demoted.

Girardi tried to soften the blow, telling Nova he hadn’t earned the demotion, that he’d done everything asked of him, that he’d be back before the end of the season. The reassurance provided little consolation.

“Since that day, I don’t like the Mets,” said Nova, who starts Saturday for the Yankees. “I don’t like this stadium.”

The bad memories linger for Nova, though unlike last year, he no longer has to look over his shoulder.

“It’s going to be different now,” said Nova, who is aiming for his 10th victory of the year.

The 25-year-old used last season’s demotion as a launching point. To make room for Phil Hughes’ return from the disabled list, the Yankees optioned Nova to Triple A, even though he had pitched well. He could have pouted.

Instead, Nova returned after less than a month in the minors.

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He strengthened his grip on a rotation spot, eventually pitching in the postseason. He’s 17-2 since his call-up last July, with an ERA of 3.79.

“I was more impressed (with) how he handled the whole situation,” catcher Russell Martin said.

“I thought it was pretty mature for a young kid to handle it like that. Ever since, he’s been lights out.”

In his last three starts, Nova is 3-0 with a 0.79 ERA.

Said Martin: “He’s really developing into a top-tier pitcher.”

• Earlier this month, right fielder Nick Swisher timed his jump perfectly against the fence, taking a home run away from the Braves’ Brian McCann. Tonight, Swisher attempted a similar catch on a ball hit by the Mets’ Ike Davis.

This time, Swisher did more harm than good. Davis’ first-inning drive trickled over the right-field fence after it glanced off Swisher’s glove.

The three-run homer proved critical in the Mets’ 6-4 victory.

“He hit it a mile high,” Swisher said. “I just tried to track it back to the wall. Once you get to the wall, that wall ain’t exactly 5 feet tall. I tried to get up there and make the play. Just couldn’t make it.”

Swisher said the ball was never in his glove.

“It definitely hit my glove,” he said. “There’s no doubt about that. I just wasn’t able to pull it in. Wish I could’ve.”

• Reliever David Aardsma is scheduled to make his second minor-league rehab appearance Saturday for the Yankees.

The Yankees signed the 30-year-old during spring training, in hopes that his rehab from Tommy John surgery would go smoothly.

The former Mariners closer is on track to join the bullpen in the next month.

Marc Carig: mcarig@starledger.com; twitter.com/MarcCarig