Happ on target for ‘wild’ start

J.A. Happ is zoned in on what’s right in front of him, which is Sunday’s start against the Orioles at Yankee Stadium.

But by virtue of pitching on that particular day, Happ also conveniently will be lined up to start the AL wild-card game, likely against the Athletics, on regular rest 10 days later.

“You might not believe me, but it’s not my focus,” Happ said Saturday before the Yankees clinched their appearance in the wild-card game with a 3-2, 11-inning win over the Orioles at the Stadium. “I’m trying to finish the season strong to get us in a good position. I think we’re good with whatever option. We’re going to be comfortable with whoever it is.”

Manager Aaron Boone said no decisions have been made yet about his starter for the do-or-die playoff game, with Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka also options to get the call. The Yankees still have time during the week to tin- ker with their rotation, should they wish.

Of first importance, though, is clinching homefield advantage for that game, and Boone reiterated they will do everything they can to play in The Bronx and avoid a trip to Oakland. The Yankees waited until after Friday’s win to announce Happ as Sunday’s starter, but Boone said it was not done with the wild-card game in mind.

“It was more we were considering giving everyone an extra day and going with a bullpen day, but we just feel like we want Happ going [Sunday],” Boone said. “We feel like it’s important for him to go and feel like that gives us the best chance of getting a victory.

“We’re trying to rack up as many [wins] as we can.”

Since he arrived from Toronto in a July 26 trade, the veteran lefty owns a 2.39 ERA across nine starts in pinstripes, holding opponents to an OPS of .655. The Yankees are 8-1 in his starts.