MLB playoffs 2018: Red Sox killer Yankees' J.A. Happ has plan for Boston in ALDS

New York Yankees lefty J.A. Happ has been a problem for the Red Sox for years, and he’ll face Boston in the ALDS.

NEW YORK — Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acquired lefty starting pitcher J.A. Happ just before the trade deadline, in large part, for this weekend.

It’s likely Happ will get the start against the Red Sox in Game 1 of the AL Division Series that begins Friday at Fenway Park.

Happ ‘for sure’ open to staying with Yankees

The 35-year-old has mostly dominated the rival Sox — the reigning AL East champions — for the last few years, and if the Yankees want to keep their season alive, Happ is going to have to do his part.

This season, Happ is 1-1 with a 1.99 ERA in four starts vs. the Red Sox. Last season, he went 2-0 with a 1.90 ERA in four starts against them.

Following a 7-2 Wild Card win over the A’s at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night, Happ was asked what the key has been for him in facing the treacherous Boston lineup, which features stars Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi and J.D. Martinez.

“We’ve got our work cut out for us for us obviously,” Happ said.

“They won a lot of games this year and it’s always back and forth with these two teams. So, just got to go at them, try to get strike one and go from there. But we’re looking forward to it.”

A clubhouse celebration, replete with bottles of champagne and beer and plastic covering everything, was raging around Happ, who threw five shutout innings vs. Boston in his last start Sept. 28 before Steve Pearce rocked him for a grand slam in the sixth.

The 35-year-old’s eyes were still burning from the bubbly.

He was asked what’s led him to go 7-0 in 11 starts with a 2.69 ERA since the Yankees acquired him from the Blue Jays in exchange for utility man Brandon Drury and outfield prospect Billy McKinney.

“I’m not sure,” he said. “I try to be aggressive. It’s fun to be a part of this. The last few months have been amazing and we’re hoping to play for another month.”

Was this all he hoped for when he got traded to the Yankees?

“That’s exactly what I envisioned,” he said. “That’s exactly why I came over and have the opportunity for this and play October baseball. That’s what we’ve looked forward to.”

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.

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