Well it’s finally official.  Last night the Phillies announced the J.A. Happ will start tonight against the Mets.  Happ is 5-6 with a 3.54 ERA for the Iron Pigs, and leads the International League in strikeouts with 104.  While his won/loss record isn’t very impressive, it’s not that bad considering he’s on a terrible team that is currently last in the INT North. 

Happ has one start in his major league career.  June 30, 2007 he made his debut against the same team he’ll be facing tonight, the New York Mets.  Happ didn’t fair that well going four innings, and allowed five runs, taking the loss.

This start isn’t going to be any eaiser.  He’s facing a Mets team who split a four-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals.  Last night they battered rookie pitcher Mitchell Boggs for 11 runs in six innings last night in route to an 11-1 win.  He’ll also be facing Mets ace Johan Santana.  Although Santana hasn’t been the dominant pitcher he has been in years past (7-7, 3.01 ERA), he’s been a victim of no run support.

One thing to keep an eye on tonight is how Happ does with runners on base.  This season Happ has struggled with runners on base posting a 7.11 ERA.  Quite the difference from his 0.78 ERA with the bases empty.