Solarte’s two-run homer caps comeback as Jays top Orioles to sweep series
TORONTO — J.A. Happ didn’t let the distraction of trade rumours seep into his performance Sunday in what could have been his last home start in a Toronto Blue Jays uniform.
The veteran left-hander was stellar through five innings in a no-decision, striking out nine and allowing one run as Toronto rallied from three runs down to beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-4 and sweep the series between the two bottom teams in the AL East.
With the playoff picture increasingly dimming in Toronto, Happ’s name has been consistently brought up as a trade target ahead of the July 31 deadline.
“I’m not letting myself go there,” Happ said, when asked if he had thought about the start as potentially his last in Toronto. “I’m just going to wait and see. It’s a tough place to be mentally, so I’m trying to avoid those what ifs right now.”