Fri, 14 Mar 2014 16:27:44 -0700

Toronto Blue Jays SP J.A. Happ (back) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out two in three innings in a minor league game Friday, March 14, and he said his back is feeling better. "I wanted to jump right back in, but they thought this was a good idea, and it turned out to be a good idea," Happ said of his brief absence to rest the injury. "I'm ready to go." The team is being cautious with Happ, and they'll make him earn a rotation spot in competition with the likes of SPs Esmil Rogers, Todd Redmond, Marcus Stroman and Ricky Romero.

Fantasy Tip: As Chisholm notes, it appears that Drew Hutchison has one of the remaining two spots locked up. He's a sleeper pick for AL-only managers. Happ has the experience, but Toronto may prefer health and youth from Stroman. Stay tuned.

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| Source: MLB.com - Gregor Chisholm

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 07:55:18 -0700

Toronto Blue Jays SP J.A. Happ (back) felt good in a side throwing session and is expected to pitch in a minor league game in the next several days. "He's still a guy we're counting on," manager John Gibbons said.

Fantasy Tip: Happ is a member of the rotation when healthy, but as previously noted, he'll have to fight off the likes of Marcus Stroman and perhaps Ricky Romero. He's likely to lose that fight to at least one of them eventually.

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| Source: Sportsnet.ca - Ben Nicholson-Smith

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 07:43:17 -0700

Toronto Blue Jays SP Drew Hutchison is in the lead for a rotation spot, according to manager John Gibbons. "Nobody's pitched better this spring than Hutch," he said. "The way he's pitching he's been dominating." Hutchison is likely in even if J.A. Happ (back) is healthy. Marcus Stroman remains in the mix for replacing Happ, but Gibbons wants prospect to tighten his command. Ricky Romero pitched four innings Wednesday, March 12, and apparently impressed Toronto brass, and he can't be counted out yet. Esmil Rogers and Todd Redmond are also in consideration.

Fantasy Tip: Hutchison could be a decent gamble in deep mixed leagues and should be in line for more AL-only confidence. Stroman should get a few starts this season, at least, and warrants a stash. Romero is worth watching.

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| Source: Sportsnet.ca - Ben Nicholson-Smith

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 16:34:15 -0700

Toronto Blue Jays SP Marcus Stroman continued to focus on developing his changeup in his start Wednesday, March 12, and he allowed three runs in the team's loss. Stroman needs to focus on keeping the ball down in the zone in order to lock up one of the remaining two rotation spots, and it's likely that he's best served from some more minor league seasoning.

Fantasy Tip: Whether Stroman starts the year in the major league rotation will likely depend on how healthy J.A. Happ (back) is. As a result, Stroman should be a low investment in AL-only leagues.

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| Source: MLB.com - Gregor Chisholm

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 16:27:45 -0700

Toronto Blue Jays SP J.A. Happ (back) threw a side session Tuesday, March 11, and had no ill effects the following day. Happ is expected to return to a spring game soon, but there is no immediate timetable. Happ's chance at a rotation spot could now be in jeopardy, with SP Drew Hutchison now a favorite for one of the open posts.

Fantasy Tip: Happ is running out of time to make an impression and win the final spot in the rotation. He should only be an option for those speculating that he wins the job in AL leagues.

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| Source: MLB.com - Gregor Chisholm

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 12:40:51 -0800

Toronto Blue Jays SP J.A. Happ (back) is battling a sore back in camp, leaving two rotation spots now up for grabs between Happ and SPs Marcus Stroman, Drew Hutchison, Kyle Drabek, Todd Redmond and Esmil Rogers. Happ was roughed up in his first two spring starts as a result. A lowered arm slot for Happ this spring hasn't helped his command issues, either. "We'll watch him, we'll evaluate it. Right now, I don't think he's on schedule to miss any time. Maybe he gets moved back a day or two, but from what I understand, it would be no more than two or three days that he would be moved back, if that happens," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. Redmond and Rogers are both out of minor league options.

Fantasy Tip: It seems as though either Stroman or Hutchison will land one of the remaining open rotation spots. Which one takes it is anyone's guess, although Hutchison is probably the more polished prospect. Either one of them would be a nice speculative end-game selection in AL-only leagues.

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| Source: MLB.com - Gregor Chisholm

Sat, 07 Dec 2013 08:27:46 -0800

The Toronto Blue Jays could consider trading SP J.A. Happ this offseason if they want to create some financial flexibility. Happ is scheduled to make $5.2 million in 2014.

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| Source: Sportsnet.ca - Ben Nicholson-Smith

Fri, 06 Dec 2013 18:05:54 -0800

Toronto Blue Jays SP J.A. Happ is considered a potential veteran presence at the back end of the rotation if the team does not find any upgrades on the open market. The team also likes the promise of SPs Drew Hutchison, Kyle Drabek, Marcus Stroman and Sean Nolin. Ps Esmil Rogers and Todd Redmond are also in the mix.

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| Source: MLB.com - Gregor Chisholm

Fri, 16 Aug 2013 15:04:13 -0700

The Toronto Blue Jays activated SP J.A. Happ from the bereavement list Friday, Aug. 16, and placed SS Munenori Kawasaki on the paternity list in a corresponding move.

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| Source: CBSSports.com

Mon, 12 Aug 2013 12:24:19 -0700

The Toronto Blue Jays will place SP J.A. Happ on the bereavement list Tuesday, Aug. 12, and recall P Todd Redmond from the minors in a corresponding move.

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| Source: The Canadian Press - Shi Davidi