National Post (National Edition)
Happ gets call for Jays’ opener
recovering from shoulder inflammation.
Newcomer Jaime Garcia will kick off the second series against the Chicago White Sox on April 2.
“It’s a nice honour,” Gibbons said. “I think every starting pitcher in the big leagues would love that. There’s something about opening day. It’s just one game but there’s something, the focus and everything.
“You’ve got to be good to get that. In my time here with Happ there’s no one more deserving.”
The lefty certainly appreciates the confidence Gibbons and pitching coach Pete Walker have shown in him.
“I haven’t always had Happ said.
“After being here the last few years and great experiences for the most part it’s nice to feel that confidence they have in me and the trust level.
“That’s something that as a player you strive for.” that,”
With the Jays announcement on Tuesday, the first-round pitching matchups are set for the four-game opening weekend showdown with the Yanks.
Happ will face Luis Severino, who is also getting the first opening-day assignment of his career.
Next up it will be Sanchez vs. Masahiro Tanaka, Estrada vs. CC Sabathia and Stroman facing Sonny Gray.
Overall, Gibbons likes the look of his rotation even though second time through, it will be lefties backto-back.
“First off, they’re all good,” Gibbons said. “We like their ability and we like that there is a different look. You’ve got a couple of powers in there and a couple of them are ground ballers. They’re all capable of getting strikeouts, too. It’s a good group.”