Yankees Acquire J.A. Happ from Blue Jays

The New York Yankees, on Thursday, acquired left-handed starting pitcher J.A. Happ from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for infielder Brandon Drury and OF prospect Billy McKinney.

Yankee GM Brian Cashman had been looking for a way to improve the starting rotation. The market for starting pitchers entering the MLB Trade Deadline is not overwhelming. Happ provides the Yankees with an experienced, quality starter to add to the current rotation.

Drury entered the season as the starting third baseman for the Yankees. Due to migraines and the emergence of Miguel Andujar in his absence, Drury was the odd man out in a numbers game. With no room for him on the 25-man roster, the Yankees were able to use him as trade bait.

Many believe McKinney has Major League potential and is a nice prospect. However, he is also caught in the logjam as the Yankees outfield is set with players like Brett Gardner, Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, and Giancarlo Stanton. The Yankees also have Clint Frazier who has been up and down from the majors to Triple-A due to no regular spot on the roster.

Happ brings a 10-6 record and 4.18 ERA to the Yankees. He has been inconsistent however. After starting the season 4-1 with a 3.50 ERA through March/April, Happ struggled a little more in May, going 3-2 with an ERA of 4.25. Things turned around in June as Happ went 3-0 with a 3.16 ERA in five games started.

He has struggled in July, posting a 0-3 record and 7.41 ERA in four games. His last start showed since of the earlier success as Happ gave up one run on four hits in five innings against the Manny Machado-less Baltimore Orioles. He struck out nine in that outing.

With the Yankees in a battle for the American League East, adding Happ could be a nice addition if previous numbers are an indication. The lefty has had proven success against the American League East. In two games against the Red Sox this season, Happ has thrown 10.2 innings, giving up nine hits, one earned run, striking out 16 and holding a 0.84 ERA. The Yankees will need to beat the Red Sox more times than not if they have any chance of making up group in the division.

In his career, Happ is 102-82 with a 3.95 ERA.