J.A. Happ hasn’t been told he isn’t going to start an ALDS game against the Twins, but the Yankees left-hander’s last appearance was a five-inning relief gig on Sept. 25 against the Rays when he followed opener Jonathan Loaisiga.
“Be ready for Friday,’’ Happ said about his role on the pitching staff when asked during the team’s Wednesday workout at the Stadium. “Go from there. I think it will be a game-to-game [thing].’’
Happ’s first full season with the Yankees resulted in a 12-8 record with a 4.91 ERA in 31 games. Nevertheless, in the last five games (four starts) the left-hander posted a 1.65 ERA, struck out 28 in 27¹/₃ innings and went 1-0.
Happ, 36, has pitched in 315 big league games and started 289.
Third baseman Gio Urshela said his left ankle is no longer an issue. He left Sunday’s game in Texas with what was described as a mild sprain suffered fielding a ball. Urshela said he is “200 percent and ready to go.’’
Adam Ottavino has never participated in a postseason game at Yankee Stadium, but he has attended several.
“I was at two games in 2009. The last game against the Twins and the first game against the Angels,’’ the right-hander reliever from Brooklyn said following the workout. “I was also at the first-ever wild card game against Seattle in 1995.’’
Ottavino said he expects the Stadium to be loud just like it was across the street.
“That was awesome, really loud, especially at the old Stadium,’’ Ottavino said.