Thu Jul 3 20:36:46 2008

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Happ to start for Phils on Friday against Mets

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Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel tabbed left-hander J.A. Happ to start Friday's series opener against Johan Santana and the New York Mets.

Happ, 25, will be making his second major league start in place of struggling Brett Myers, who was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday to work on his mechanics and build confidence.

The 27-year-old Myers made his first start for the IronPigs on Wednesday, allowing three runs on five hits in five innings in a losing cause.

Coincidentally, Happ's first start came against the Mets on June 30 of last season. The young lefty was roughed up for five runs on seven hits -- including three homers -- and threw 94 pitches in just four innings of work.

Happ was 5-6 with a 3.54 earned run average in 17 starts this season with the IronPigs.