Today is a big day for Toronto Blue Jays (53-60) pitcher J.A. Happ, who is scheduled to make his first big league start since May 7th. The Jays are set to face the Seattle Mariners (52-61) in a game that can be live streamed here. Blue Jays fans can hear the game on SN590, while Mariners fans can do the same on 710 ESPN.
Happ (2-2, 4.91 ERA) hasn't pitched since early May because he's been recovering from a frightening line drive off the side of the ear that he suffered during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings shot a rocket back toward Happ that dropped him to the turf and he required a stretcher off the field.
He also sprained his knee on the play that nearly took his life, and the knee was what delayed his return to MLB.
"I'm still frustrated and I still wanted to obviously be back sooner. I am happy about the way I feel now and I am happy to finally be here after all that because it wasn't necessarily, rehab's never fun, this kind of stuff wasn't fun," Happ said. "Like I said before, makes it worth all that, worth it now being back here and to get out there tomorrow."
For most people, the obvious concern in a grand return would be another line drive coming for their head again. Happ, however, says he's not concerned. "Not (nervous) about being hit again or anything like that," he said Tuesday. "Obviously testing the knee a little bit, but it kept responding and it's been getting better and better."
The Mariners are countering Happ with Aaron Harang (5-10, 5.27 ERA), who gave up seven runs against the Baltimore Orioles in his last start. He will have his hands full containing Jose Reyes, who is coming off three multi-hit games.
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