DUNEDIN, Fla. -- J.A. Happ has been picked to start opening day for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Manager John Gibbons said Tuesday that the 35-year-old left-hander will face the New York Yankees and right-hander Luis Severino on March 29. Happ went 10-11 with a 3.53 ERA in 25 starts last season.
He will face a Yankees lineup that could see Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sanchez hit 2-3-4.
Entering spring training, Marcus Stroman was expected to get the opening day assignment, but he was slowed by right shoulder inflammation. Stroman will start the finale of the four-game series against the Yankees.
Aaron Sanchez will start the second game, followed by Marco Estrada. Jaime Garcia will be the Blue Jays' fifth starter.