Yankees hitters versus Toronto Blue Jays starting pitching

J.A. Happ

J.A. Happ revived his career during the 2015 season, helping the Pirates squeeze by in second place in a very competitive National League Central Division.

From then on, teams began to look at Happ again as a threat. While at times, displaying a five-pitch arsenal, Happ generally wields a fastball, another sinker — with some appearances from a changeup and slider; and the rare curveball.

Happ’s fastball, seen as his best pitch, amassed 88 strikeouts last season. And while this should worry the Yankees and their fans, the team hits well against the pitch; Stanton and Judge each having at least 20 home runs off of ol’ number one.

The third and last sinker of the rotation belongs to Happ, but, as stated before, the Yanks hit very well off sinkers. Along with that, Happ’s fastball isn’t too special; usually around 90 mph with a few inches of movement. The Yankees should capitalize on this flaw of Happ’s.

Happ’s slider is another sub-par pitch with a .269 batting average against it. The pitch looks to be primarily used as a speed differential between his higher velocity pitches (fastball, sinker).

Not used too often, Happ’s curveball is surprisingly successful. With a .177 batting average against and zero home runs and walks, the pitch hosts an extreme speed difference of 16 mph from his fastball. If utilized more often, the Yankees could see some struggles.