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Blue Jays’ J.A. Happ reaches milestone in victory

By Clayton Richer

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 8: J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre on June 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 8: J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre on June 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Blue Jays hurler J.A. Happ notched his 100th career victory in the Jays    5-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles last night at the Rogers Centre.

The 35-year-old southpaw has been the teams most consistent pitcher for the duration of the season thus far. J.A. Happ hit the 100 win plateau in his 266th career game and the 241st start of his major league career, 57 of his wins have come in a Jays uniform.

J.A. Happ is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2018 campaign and could be in for a raise over the somewhat modest $13 million he is earning in his walk year. He is also currently the Blue Jays most valuable trade chip of all the players set to hit the free agent market.

In an era where less and less value is placed on wins Happ has been a model of consistency for the Jays when on the bump. In 2016, Happ notched 20 wins for the playoff-bound Blue Jays and has accumulated 38 since that time.

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The often stoic Happ put his accomplishment into perspective comparing how difficult it must be to win 300 games but did admit the achievement is still pretty cool. The Blue Jays should look at re-upping with the crafty starter for another season or two much like they did midseason with Marco Estrada last year.

The Jays will undoubtedly test the trade market and shop Happ before the deadline but he may be a decent arm to keep in the fold with the likes of Estrada and Jaime Garcia poised to leave. Low maintenance, under the radar but effective appears to be his mantra.

Happ is 23rd on the active leaders wins list lightyears behind Bartolo Colon who sits atop the list with 243 career victories.

Next: Blue Jays: Sam Gaviglio has earned his spot

Regardless of where Happ is pitching next season, he has been a consummate professional for the ballclub and made good on his 3 years/ $36 million dollar deal he signed at the end of 2015. Congratulations Happer, here is to another 100.

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