Happ, Durbin ready to start contributing

J.A. Happ is feeling pretty good right about now. Well, at least better than he was 2 days ago.

That's because the 24-year-old lefty will be making his major league debut against the New York Mets tomorrow at Citizens Bank Park.

"I was definitely hoping it was going to happen," Happ said yesterday. "I was a little surprised when they told me, but I'm looking forward to it."

Happ wasn't made aware of the move until Triple A Ottawa arrived in Toledo Wednesday afternoon. He tried to board a flight out of Detroit that night but was unsuccessful. He made sure he arrived at the ballpark on time yesterday afternoon, though.

Since Happ returned from a stint on the disabled list with an elbow injury June 14, he has allowed earned five earned runs in his last three starts (12 innings). Happ, who is 1-2 in 13 starts with a 4.02 ERA, believes he is healthy enough to make an impact.

Impact will be key this weekend for Happ as well as J.D. Durbin, who will pitch in the first game of today's day-night doubleheader against the New York Mets.

Durbin, 25, was 2-4 with a 4.55 ERA in 10 starts for Ottawa this season.

Because of the ruptured tendon in Jon Lieber's right foot that will likely keep him out for the remainder of the season, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has said whoever pitches better between the two will likely be the immediate replacement for the righthanded veteran.

While Happ is aware of that, he said he tries not to look that far ahead.

"You're always competing for something," said Happ, who gave up eight hits and struck out four through five innings in his last start, against Columbus. "It's not like we don't know that, but you just have to go out there and do your best to set yourself up for the opportunity to get the call."

More important than the competition between themselves, both understand the importance their performances this weekend will have in the Phillies' race to gain ground on the first-place Mets in the NL East.

Of the four Phillies starters this weekend, Cole Hamels is the only one to pitch in more than two major league games this season. Kyle Kendrick, who is 2-0 with a 5.00 ERA since making his debut June 13, will start in the finale Sunday against Mets lefty Oliver Perez.

Happ was asked how making his debut compared to other achievements in his life. For a second he paused, mentioned the day he got drafted and quickly reconsidered.

"No, this is clearly No. 1," he said. "I was shaking all day [Wednesday] when they told me. I couldn't stop even when I was trying to call all my friends and family. So this is definitely the best feeling."

Hopefully, Happ won't be as shaky when he takes the mound tomorrow.

With yesterday being the last day for fans to vote for their favorite Phillie to make the National All-Star team, Charlie Manuel made his case for two of his stars vying for a spot on the roster.

Manuel said he feels Ryan Howard, who started the season hitting just .204 with six home runs before being placed on the disabled list May 12, deserves a shot to play in the game based on his fan appeal and the way he's been playing recently.

"I think he a popular player and somewhere down the line those things will play a part in his chances on being on the All-Star team," Manuel said.

Howard, who was the 2006 Home Run Derby champion, is hitting .293 with 12 homers and a league-leading 33 RBI since coming off the disabled list on May 25.

Manuel also said Cole Hamels, who is tied for second in the league in wins with nine, and second in strikeouts with 111 should be a lock.

"I think he's without a doubt one of the top pitchers in this entire league right now and deserves to be in the game," Manuel said.

Going into yesterday, Chase Utley was leading all NL second basemen with 1,289,300 votes. The Dodgers' Jeff Kent trailed him.

Major League Baseball will announce the All-Star rosters Sunday afternoon. *