For weeks, maybe even months, sports outlets and fans have been clamoring for the Yankees to add to their starting rotation. Today J.A. Happ debuted in pinstripes as the addition we’ve all been waiting for, as he went 6 innings, gave up one earned run on a homer in the sixth, and has his first win as a New York Yankee.

The Yankees offense was consistent today, putting up 6 runs on 9 hits, and giving J.A. Happ a 2-run lead right in the first frame. Aaron Hicks reached base 4 times for his second-straight game, and had a home run to boot. Didi and Gleyber were the only Yankees without hits, but Didi had a walk and a run, while Gleyber had an RBI on a ground-out.

Neil Walker and Brett Gardner both reached twice with a walk and a hit. According to Katie Sharp, Neil Walker has a .419 batting average with 6 walks, 5 XBH, and 10 RBI in his last 14 games. You may still see people on social media giving Neil Walker a hard time when he gets an out, but they’re clearly not paying close enough attention to the way he’s contributed this season. The Yankees made the right call keeping Walker, and trading Drury.

The Yankee bullpen has been interesting. David Robertson and Chad Green both gave up lead-off home runs in their appearances, and have made it difficult to trust them in high leverage situations. Last year, D-Rob and Chad Green were probably the surest things the Yankees had in the bullpen for outs, and now they’re both struggling through July. Aroldis Chapman had his second-straight solid outing following that debacle last week. Chapman’s 3 K’s to end the game, and give him the save, is just what the doctor ordered.

Yankees took 3 out of 4 against the Royals, and now have the day off tomorrow before facing the Orioles next. The Bombers just need to keep winning series, and hope that other teams don’t throw at them as often as the Royals did. It felt like every inning a Yankee was hit by a pitch in this series, and I hope Kansas City has the worst of luck for the rest of eternity.

Yankees 3 Stars of the Game

* J.A. Happ (Win in Yankee debut)

** Aaron Hicks (3 Hits, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 BB)

*** Aroldis Chapman (1 Save, 3 K’s)