J.A. Happ replaces Deivi Garcia for Yankees after one inning of Game 2 of ALDS vs. Rays
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As it turns out, 21-year-old Deivi Garcia, the talented Yankees starting pitcher, was only an opener in Tuesday’s Game 2 of the ALDS against the Rays.
Garcia pitched an inning, allowing a run on a homer.
Then, Yankees manager Aaron Boone went to J.A. Happ, a more experienced arm, to start the second inning. It backfired — at least at first — as Mike Zunino blasted a two-run shot that gave the Rays a 3-1 lead.
Ironically, the Rays — New York’s opponent — are well known for their use of openers. It’s a creative way to begin a game, then control matchups from there.
GAME 1: Yankees brush off Rays’ inside brushback pitches following ALDS Game 1
When speaking to media, Boone only said Garcia would start Game 2. He did not say for sure whether Happ or anyone else would follow Garcia.
Boone only said the Yankees would see how it goes.
When the moment came, the manager chose Happ to piggyback off Garcia’s start.
In nine regular-season starts, Happ pitched to a 3.47 ERA.
Justin Toscano is the Mets beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Mets analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.
Email: toscanoj@northjersey.com Twitter: @justinctoscano