Seattle Mariners Game Recap: J.A. Happ Gets Roughed Up Again

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

J.A. Happ has failed to live up to expectations this spring, and Sunday was just another example of his ineptitude. Happ surrendered 6 runs on 11 hits across 5.0 innings this afternoon. He struck out 3 Padres, and walked 2. The long ball once again hurt him, as he allowed a pair of dingers in today’s game. Happ had trouble locating his pitches, and just 55 of his 92 pitches found the strike zone.

The Mariners acquired Happ from the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason, and he has thus far been a disappointment. He sports a record of 1-3, and an ERA of 7.90 across 13.2 innings pitched. He has been touched up for 12 earned runs, and 4 home runs. The 32-year-old southpaw has struck out 9, and walked 6. Including today’s game, Happ has given up 22 hits.

Happ is well known for his fly ball tendencies, and thus the Mariners were not anticipating a great spring playing under the hot Arizona sun, but he has been much worse than anyone anticipated. However, his performance this spring has no real impact on the 2015 season. Many players over the years have produced great seasons after stinking up the joint in spring training.

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