New York Yankees: JA Happ Needs A Better Second Half

New York Yankees, J.A. Happ
Jul 4, 2019; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher J.A. Happ (34) looks on during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

New York Yankees left-hand pitcher JA Happ had a rather poor first half of the season, and needs to turn it around. I understand that the Yankees have won most games he’s pitched in, but he still needs to be better.

Happ has a 7-4 record, but his ERA sits at 5.02 and his WHIP is at 1.27.

The 36 year old has been far too inconsistent. He has three starts with six or more runs allowed, and five with one run or less allowed.

The thing with Happ is that he can’t pitch deep into games. He has pitched more than five innings eight times this year, but has only made it through six full innings four times.

Happ has had a few good outings this year against AL East rivals like Boston and Tampa Bay, but struggled a few times against teams like the Orioles and White Sox.

His worst outing of the year came on June 23rd against Houston, where he gave up 11 hits and eight runs in just four innings.

JA Happ needs to have more consistency on the mound. If he can go a bit deeper into games, he will help the bullpen be fresher and it gives the team a better chance to win.