DENVER -- With time winding down to the Trade Deadline, J.A. Happ had heard nothing and expected to stay with the Mariners.
Hence, Happ was surprised to be dealt to the Pirates on July 31 for Minor League pitcher Adrian Sampson. The left-hander had gone 4-6 with a 4.64 ERA in 21 games (20 starts) for Seattle. His turnaround with Pittsburgh has been startling.
In nine starts with the Pirates, Happ is 6-2 with a 2.28 ERA. He has been better than that lately, going 6-1 with a 1.73 ERA in his past seven games.