Toronto Blue Jays: J.A. Happ takes a big step on road to recovery

J.A. Happ took a significant step towards rejoining the Toronto Blue Jays rotation, but there is still no definitive timetable for his return.

With Aaron Sanchez making yet another trip to the DL, the Toronto Blue Jays could sure use some good news on the pitching front. Enter J.A. Happ.

As reported by the Toronto Sun‘s Steve Buffery, Happ pitched 3.1 innings on Saturday and gave up just two hits, in an extended spring training game. Sportsnet‘s Ben Nicholson-Smith added that he threw 48 pitches in total — all fastballs — averaging 89-90 mph and reaching as high as 92.

This is understandably a positive step for the 34-year old, who has only featured in three games so far this season. He has been out of the rotation since suffering left elbow inflammation during his last start, on April 16.

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Happ entered this year with high hopes, after coming off a 2016 campaign when he became just the sixth Blue Jays’ pitcher in franchise history to win 20 or more games in a single season (20-4). He recorded a 3.18 ERA and a career-best 163 strikeouts over 195.0 innings, and finished sixth in voting for the AL Cy Young Award.

Blue Jays’ pitching coach Pete Walker discussed the Peru, Illinois native’s performance with Nicholson-Smith and other members of the media:

"“He’s feeling the strength back in his arm,” Walker said. “It’s just a matter of (getting) the feel for his pitches. He was real happy with his outing.”"

Of course, the big question is when Happ will be ready to rejoin the Blue Jays’ rotation? In truth, there is still no set timetable.

However, the picture should become slightly clearer after the 2004 third round draft pick makes a rehab start, where he is expected to throw around four innings and 60 pitches. Assuming it goes well, he could conceivably be ready to return to Toronto, as Walker explained:

"“There’s always a chance he could come back to us (following a rehab start), but we want to see him feeling good,” Walker said. “That’s a priority: that he feels really good about where he’s at, that the stuff is good and he’s having no issues at all.”"

In light of the ongoing issues with Sanchez’s finger, you would hope the Blue Jays do not rush Happ back before he is fully healed. However, there is no denying the sooner he returns, the better for a Blue Jays’ team fighting desperately to remain in playoff contention.

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In related news, the shoulder soreness which sent Francisco Liriano to the DL on May 11 has steadily diminished. As reported by Nicholson-Smith, he responded well to a bullpen session last Thursday and threw on flat ground at Camden Yards on Sunday.

Liriano is expected to participate in a simulated game on Tuesday in Milwaukee, where he will throw between 45-50 pitches over three innings. As with Happ, there is no definitive timeline for his return, but if things go well, he could make a rehab start as soon as this coming weekend.

Next: Is this the year Marcus Stroman wins the Cy Young?

While the progress of Happ and Liriano is encouraging, the Blue Jays’ rotation remains under-strength. How confident are you in their ability to keep within touching distance of a wild card spot, until reinforcements arrive? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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