Happ gets call for Jays in home opener

Gibbons likes his pitching rotation, writes Rob Longley.

With J.A. Happ CLEARWATER, FLA. leading the way on opening day, the Toronto Blue Jays have a rotation they hope will help them return to playoff contention. And that’s part of the appeal of the assignment for the 10-year veteran, who will have the valued start for the first time in his career.

“I feel good about the last couple of years being in a lot of (big) games for the team and being relied on,” Happ said Tuesday after manager John Gibbons unveiled his rotation and order. “That’s something I’ve always said. It feels good to be relied on. That’s usually a good thing. I want to live up to that.” Happ has been reliable over the past few seasons, which is certainly a plus as the Jays enter a critical opening series with the AL East favourite New York Yankees March 29. A team notorious for its slow starts could sure use a credible showing in the sevengame home stand to open the 2018 campaign.

Gibbons confirmed the rest of the rotation, an order that had become obvious over the past few days. A healthy and rejuvenated Aaron Sanchez is up after Happ, followed by Marco Estrada and Marcus Stroman, who is recovering from shoulder inflammation. Overall, Gibbons likes the look of his rotation even though second time through, it will be lefties back-to-back.

“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 nice honour,” Gibbons said of giving Happ the start. “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. 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 that,” 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.”