J.A. Happ appears to have won a big-league job with the Toronto Blue Jays.
“If I was a betting man, there’s a good chance he’ll be on the team,” manager John Gibbons said Tuesday.
All spring, Happ has been slotted behind fifth starter Ricky Romero in the Blue Jays’ rotation order. But he has posted a 1.89 ERA in Grapefruit League action, and Gibbons said “he’s too good” to be left off the roster.
Shortly after Gibbons’ comment in a National Post interview, Happ said club officials have not told him anything about his status.
With the Jays seemingly committed to opening the season with Romero in the rotation, Happ would fill a long-relief role, assuming Gibbons gets his way. Given Romero’s persistent control problems, Happ could provide insurance should Romero falter early in his starts.
Happ’s chances to break with the team improved when the club decided to open the season with third baseman Brett Lawrie in the disabled list. Gibbons said the Jays may fill Lawrie’s roster spot with an eighth reliever, although he said Tuesday that decision has not been made.
The Jays are not expected to finalize their roster until this weekend when they play two exhibition games in Philadelphia, Gibbons said.
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/03/ ... -the-team/
