J.A. Happ was traded to the New York Yankees last year at the trade deadline. He was evidently one of the key targets of General Manager Brian Cashman. Happ overall played very well during the remainder of last season with the Yanks. He pitched to the tone of a 2.69 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP and a 7-0 record in 11 games started. Happ proved to be the reliable arm the Yankees were lacking and even proved to have success against the Red Sox. It became apparent he was a big asset, so going into the offseason he was made a priority.
Of course, Cashman flirted with other starters like Patrick Corbin, but ultimately he went with what seemed like the safe play and resigned Happ to a $34 million dollar, three-year deal. For a veteran that provides good help to the rotation, it seemed like a very fair deal. Happ had a role essentially carved out for him for this season as the reliable veteran arm who can keep the Yankees in the game.
Things have not gone to plan, though. Through his first 10 starts, he’s been below average. Happ has a 5.09 ERA and a 4-3 record. 29% of the Yankees losses have occurred when Happ is on the mound this season. So what’s wrong? Well, it could be a mechanical issue or a mental issue but one thing is for sure, he can’t keep this up. With the way, the roster stands right now the Yankees can’t afford to sit Happ down for a start or even send him down to tinker with his mechanics.
The fact is, it’s still early in the season and although there are concerns with Happ’s play so far he’s a veteran who’s slumped in the past. I don’t doubt that he can get out of his slump and be a crucial part of the teams likely postseason run. Hopefully, he can get back to his old form and prove me right.
A solid outing over the weekend for the Yankees:
Luckily, Happ turned his inadequacy off and turned on his quality. Against the Kansas City Royals in the first game of a double-header, Happ was stellar despite giving up a three-run homer that tied the game. He struck out an impressive 10 batters over six innings, showing us his former self.
Hopefully, he can continue progressing as the season goes on, as the Yankees need all of the fire-power they can get in the starting pitching rotation.