Last night, Happ threw 3.1 solid innings to stave off the Mets. It’s the second time Happ has thrown more than two innings, the last being a three-inning performance where Happ allowed merely three hits and a walk, his best performance yet. That is, until Thursday night.
Happ was throwing his fastball close to the mid 90s, dialing it up to ratchet a strikeout of Ramon Castro. His breaking pitches registered low enough to manufacture five groundouts. And the flyouts weren’t anything grand, either. To be short, Happ is capable of making outs.
Phillies starters, so far, have proven not to be capable of making outs, and on a regular basis. Why should we settle for a pitcher who must depend on an umpire to be effective? Why should we settle for a pitcher whose head has to be clear of distraction to be effective?
No, the Phillies should have pitchers who simply make outs. And Happ can do that. More than you can say for the others.
Happ belongs in the rotation. Today.
