Yankees’ J.A. Happ: Why trade brings ‘pressure’

Yankees new starter J.A. Happ excelled in first start and 6-3 win over the Royals on Sunday, but also detailed the pressure he feels.

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NEW YORK — Austin Romine had no idea J.A. Happ was a bit nervous.

When Happ got to the mound in the first inning, it felt like a “surreal” experience, he said, looking down at his uniform, realizing it had pinstripes, looking around him, realizing Yankee Stadium would be his new home for at least a few months.

“If he was,” catcher Romine said, “I didn’t see it. I thought it was just business as usual.”

For Happ, it was. For the Yankees, they’re hopeful that’s the case.

In his first start with the Yankees, Happ pitched six strong innings, giving up just a run in a 6-3 win over the Royals at Yankee Stadium.

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Two days before, the Yankees had acquired Happ in a trade with the Blue Jays that sent infielder Brandon Drury and outfield prospect Billy McKinney to Toronto.

It was the end of trade rumors that were a constant all season for Happ, performing well for the underperforming Blue Jays while on an expiring contract. It was just a matter of time, Happ felt, that he would be moved.

He was right. And on Sunday, Happ wowed his new club, striking out a pair while allowing just three hits, including a solo homer, and a walk. Happ’s job will be to provide stability, depth and innings for a rotation badly in need of all three.

Happ said his nerves were racing initially.

“I lost some adrenaline after that first inning,” he said. “I was amped up, ready to go. But I was trying to battle through there, trying to get ahead. That was a big thing for me. I think just one walk. That was a good thing.”

He admitted that following the trade, he feels pressure to perform.

“I think I’d be lying if I said no,” he said. “I think for sure, you’re definitely wanting to have good results. They traded for you. There’s some pressure in that. But it’s fun with these guys playing behind me too. We had some nice defensive plays that allowed me to get through six there.”

Manager Aaron Boone said he’s a “big J.A. Happ” guy and praised his approach.

“Just seeing him come in here with the intensity, with the focus, but also just really comfortable it seems like, fitting in well,” Boone said. “But you also want to see a new player to the team, new situation go out there and have some success. For him to go out and give us a strong outing like he did, I’m sure he feels really good about that. Hopefully it just goes a long way in helping getting him settled in. He’s going to be important for us, obviously, in the second half.”

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.