John Gibbons was J.A. Happ’s manager for four-plus seasons in Toronto and is convinced the veteran lefty is up to starting the AL wild-card game for the Yankees against the A’s on Oct. 3.
“No doubt, oh yeah. He pitched a couple of good playoff games for us,’’ Gibbons responded when he was asked Sunday about trusting the 35-year-old lefty with the responsibility that comes with starting a lose-and-go-home game. “No doubt.’’
In eight starts with the Yankees after being dealt from the Blue Jays in late July, Happ has demonstrated a trait Gibbons says makes him the perfect pitcher for a very big assignment.