J.A. Happ Optioned to Triple-A

After witnessing J.A. Happ’s season ERA climb to 6.26 yesterday, the Astros have decided to option their struggling starter to Triple-A.

"“I’m obviously disappointed,” Happ said. “You never expect to get sent down, and you never anticipate that. Hopefully, I can go down there and kind of clear my head a little bit and get this thing kind of ironed out sooner than later.”"

Happ came over to Houston in last year’s deadline deal that sent Roy Oswalt to the Phillies.  After holding a 1.76 ERA over three starts in Philadelphia last season, Happ continued his success in Houston.  In 13 appearances Happ maintained a respectable 3.75 earned run average.

But 2011 hasn’t been as kind to Happ as the right hander has been hit hard by opponents.  The 28 year old entered June with a 4.66 ERA but has witnessed that balloon above 6 over his last 10 starts.  During that span, Happ has allowed 5 or more runs 8 times.

Houston knows what Happ is capable of and hopes that some time in the minors will allow him to regain his footing and return to the pitcher he was last season for the club.

"“He needs to gain some confidence,” Astros manager Brad Mills said. “He needs to get back to where he needs to be to help us. Everybody knows, and he knows his stuff is good enough to pitch here, and pitch extremely well here. He needs to get that confidence of being able to throw it and let his ball work for him. We’re hoping he can go down there and get two or three starts and get that squared away.”"

No one has officially been named as a replacement for Happ in Houston’s rotation, but the candidates include current reliever Aneury Rodriguez and Minor Leaguers Henry Sosa, Lucas Harrell and Andy Van Hekken.

For more on the Astros, be sure to check out Climbing Tal’s Hill.