The case for J.A. Happ
Happ hasn’t been in pinstripes for a long time, but he’s been excellent ever since he arrived from Toronto. He also happens to the best Yankees starter in his last seven games. That isn’t a great sample size, but his ERA of just 2.56 in that stretch gives Boone a lot to think about.
The veteran southpaw might be the best pure pitcher of the group. He doesn’t have the devastating stuff that either Severino or Tanaka can flash, but he just knows how to pitch. That allows him to produce quality outings even when he’s not at his best.
Happ’s really only had one bad start in the last two months. He’s only given up three or more earned runs twice in the past two months. Starting Happ would really allow Boone to eliminate the risk of falling too far behind the A’s early in the game. He might not have quite the upside as his competitors, but his steadiness would be a real asset in a winner take all game.
The truth is Happ has been pitching to prove himself to Yankee fans since the moment he came to the Bronx. Pitching against Oakland in the Wild Card game will be a little more pressure, but it won’t change Happ’s approach in the slightest. He’s cool under pressure and is perfectly capable of shutting the Athletics down.