2 reasons Yankees care about Red Sox-Blue Jays game: J.A. Happ and Bucky Dent

The Toronto Blue Jays may trade left-hander J.A. Happ before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver deadline. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman could be interested in the All-Star southpaw. Especially with the Boston Red Sox opening a 3.5 game lead over the Yankees in the American League East.

There are two reasons the Yankees will be closely following Thursday’s game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass.

First, left-hander J.A. Happ is on the mound for Toronto. He has been mentioned in several rumors before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.

At one time, Happ was said to be atop general manager Brian Cashman’s wish list for starting pitchers.

Happ is 10-5 with a 4.44 ERA in 18 starts this season and will represent the Blue Jays at the 2018 MLB All-Star Game.

But Happ has been struggling lately, giving up 13 runs in 8.1 innings of work over his last two starts.

That includes a clunker against the Yankees his last time out, when he gave up six runs in 2.2 innings in an 8-5 win by New York.

For what it’s worth, Happ will be opposed by David Price, who was lit up by the Yankees back on July 1st, when he gave up eight runs in 3.1 innings of work during an 11-1 beatdown by New York.

Scout on pitchers on trade market

The second reason the Yankees care about the game between the Blue Jays and Red Sox?

Boston will take a nine-game winning streak into action Thursday. During that time, Boston has extended its lead over the Yankees in the American League East to 3.5 games.

The Red Sox are 65-29 this season. That’s the best record in the majors.

And check this out cool fact, per ESPN, following the Red Sox’s 4-2 win over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday:

The Red Sox improved to 36 games above .500 for the first time since Bucky Dent homered over the Green Monster in a one-game playoff to settle the 1978 AL East title.

As you may remember, the Yankees and Red Sox finished with the two best records in 1978. They are on pace to do so again this season.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.