Seattle Mariners Game Recap: Smith Goes Yard, but M’s Lose

Mar 24, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher J.A. Happ (33) on the mound during a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

The only positive for J.A. Happ on Tuesday was that he got his work in. Happ surrendered 5 earned runs on 8 hits across 3.2 innings of work against the Padres. He struck out 3 and walked 3 this afternoon. Of his 80 pitches, just 45 managed to find the strike zone. This afternoon’s performance is the second time in three outings Happ has been roughed up this spring.

The M’s dealt for the 32-year-old southpaw this past winter from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Michael Saunders. Happ has been largely unimpressive in his first three outings as a Mariner. He sports a gaudy 7.27 ERA across 8.2 innings of work. Happ has allowed 7 earned runs on 11 hits. He has tallied 6 punch-outs and he has issued 4 free passes in spring training. He has also given up 2 long balls this spring.

Happ is a fly ball pitcher, and thus pitching in the Arizona heat does not match his skill set. I still have high hopes for Happ in 2015, especially when he is called upon to pitch at Safeco Field. He is entering his contract season, and your can bet he will do everything in his power to produce a career year with the M’s.

Next: Seth Smith is on Fire