Happ to get opening day tap?
DUNEDIN — J.A. Happ is ready for the opening of the 2018 season.
And any day now, we’ll find out if the team is going to hand the veteran lefty the ball for the season opener against the New York Yankees.
All signs point to Happ being that guy after he pitched six innings on Sunday in the Jays’ 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Happ reached 84 pitches and struck out five in his final major spring training tuneup.
“I feel good about it,” Happ said. “I was trying to get right to 85 and got through six up and downs. I’m just trying to get through the execution as best I can. Today was another really good step, good progress.”
Manager John Gibbons said he won’t announce the opening day assignment until he speaks with all five of his starters, but he has liked what he has seen from the 2016 20-game winner.
“He’s just a reliable guy,” Gibbons said. “Usually, nine times out of 10, he’s going to give you a chance to win. He’s really turned into a big workhorse for us. He’s one of the guys you look forward to the days he’s pitching.”
As a 10-year veteran, Happ appreciated the opportunity to prepare for the season at his own pace, secure of his job and role on the staff.
“I feel fortunate to have been here for a few years and have a spot so you can kind of build at your own pace worry a little less about the results and focus on building yourself up and feeling good about that first start of the year,” Happ said.
OUTFIELD FOLLIES
The re-vamped Jays outfield continues to be operating at two-thirds capacity as opening day nears.
Right fielder Randal Grichuk hasn’t played since March 9 as he continues to nurse a rib/ obique injury. Grichuk, who was acquired from St. Louis in the off-season, hit in the batting cage on Sunday.
“The season’s not too far off so we have to be smart about it,” Gibbons said. “Swinging the bat is the big issue. He’s going to start swinging the bat a little bit, do some light stuff in the cage.”
AROUND THE BASES
Justin Smoak’s two-run homer over the right-field wall on Sunday would suggest that the all-star first baseman has put his wrist issues behind him … Gibbons on Marcus Stroman’s declaration
that Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are ready for the majors: "Did he talk to Donaldson and those guys about that yet?” … Among moves on Sunday, shortstop
Richard Urena and outfielder J.D. Davis were optioned to the minors … Aaron Sanchez will get his fourth start of the spring on Monday when the Jays travel to Orlando to face the Braves … With their win on Sunday, the Jays improved to 12-11 in Grapefruit League play.