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Toronto Blue Jays: J.A. Happ saves the day

By Paul Taylor

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays and the American League pitches in the tenth inning against the National League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays and the American League pitches in the tenth inning against the National League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher J.A. Happ used the stage of his inaugural All-Star Game appearance, to record the first ever save of his career.

The 2018 campaign has been a season of firsts for the Toronto Blue Jays‘ J.A. Happ. More specifically, his first career opening day start and first All-Star Game selection.

Tuesday night saw Happ add yet another first to his resume; his first ever save. And we literally mean ‘first ever’, as he had never previously recorded a save at any level in baseball.

When the 35-year-old entered the All-Star Game in the bottom of the 10th inning, the American League had a 8-5 lead. It was all set for him to shine on one of baseball’s biggest stages.

Unfortunately for Happ, things didn’t start out as planned. His very first pitch resulted in a home run by a certain Canadian named Joey Votto, for the National League to pull to within 8-6.

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However, the Blue Jays’ pitcher recovered from this early setback and got down to work. He didn’t allow another hit and took just 12 pitches overall, to earn the three required outs and the save.

All indications point towards Happ leaving Southern Ontario sometime between now and July 31. But at least he gave Blue Jays fans something to cheer about, in what has been an extremely frustrating season for everyone concerned.

As you can imagine, playing in his first All-Star Game was quite an experience for the 2004 third round draft pick. As reported by Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun, Happ said:

"“That was awesome. It was nerve-wracking for me out there, but it was fun. What a great game…That’s the way it seems to be, just like the regular season, where home runs count for everything.”"

When the AL took a 5-2 lead in the top of the eight, it looked like Happ wouldn’t get a chance to pitch in the All-Star Game. However, the NL recovered and sent the game into extra innings, with two runs in the bottom of the ninth.

The only problem for Happ was being faced with a different kind of situation than he was used to. Regardless, he embraced the opportunity and did what it took to secure the win for the AL.

Now, thoughts will undoubtedly turn back to the Peru, Illinois native’s future. However, wherever Happ ends up, he leaves the Blue Jays and their fans with another highlight to add to the ones he’s already accrued during his time in Toronto.

Next: Phillies enter the chase for Happ

Did you stay up to watch the All-Star Game to the very end, in the hope of seeing Happ pitch? Regardless, who do you predict the Toronto Blue Jays will trade him to, between now and July 31? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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