If J.A. Happ keeps pitching like this, he’s going to force the Toronto Blue Jays to make some difficult decisions.
Happ has been one of the Blue Jays’ most consistent starters this spring and the left-hander put forth another strong effort Friday against the Boston Red Sox.
J.A. Happ’s line for the day: 6IP, 2H, 0ER, 2BB, 3K.Casey Janssen up to pitch the 7th inning. @bluejays and #Redsox still tied 0-0
— Blue Jays-Official(@BlueJays) March 22, 2013
The Blue Jays currently have Ricky Romero slated as their No. 5 starter and are planning to use Happ as either a long man out of the bullpen or as a starter with triple-A Buffalo.
The veteran hurler, who was acquired in a mid-season deal with the Houston Astros last summer, has voiced his displeasure with his current role, stating he deserves to be pitching as a full-time big-league starter.
Happ on the fifth starter situation: “I don’t have anything to really say on that.” #Bluejays #Jays
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) March 22, 2013
Throughout the spring, Romero has been struggling with his command and his mechanics, prompting some to wonder whether Happ has done enough to earn the final spot in the Blue Jays’ rotation.
Anybody else in Toronto get the feeling J.A.Happ will be a very important pitcher for the #jays when its all said and done?
— Dan Shulman (@DShulman_ESPN) March 22, 2013
In other Blue Jays news Friday, the team claimed right-handed Todd Redmond off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles and then optioned the 27-year-old to triple-A Buffalo.
The right-hander went 8-11 with a 3.63 ERA in 26 games with triple-A Louisville and Gwinnett in the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves and systems, respectively.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays moved pitcher Drew Hutchinson to the 60-day disabled list.
