Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah endures rough outing in Triple-A appearance
Alek Manoah, the right-handed pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, is making a comeback after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2024. The surgery was a result of a UCL sprain that ended his 2024 season prematurely.
Recovery Timeline
Manoah's recovery has been meticulously planned, with a focus on gradual progression to ensure his health and readiness for a return to the Major League Baseball (MLB).
- Mid-2024: Underwent Tommy John surgery.
- 2025: Began rehab starts across minor league levels.
- Early August 2025: Made his Double-A rehab debut with New Hampshire, pitching three innings and throwing 64 pitches.
- Late August 2025: Scheduled to make his first Triple-A rehab start with the Buffalo Bisons.
- Expected Return: Projected to return to the MLB by late August, pending his performance and health.
Prospects for Return and Role
With a strong rotation already in place, Manoah's role upon his return is uncertain. The current rotation includes Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, Eric Lauer, and Max Scherzer, with Shane Bieber also part of the mix after being acquired from the Cleveland Guardians. Manoah's experience as a starter could lead to discussions about a potential six-man rotation or adapting him to a long-relief role in the bullpen.
Performance and Progress
Manoah's rehab starts have seen mixed results, with a 10.13 ERA, allowing nine hits and six earned runs over 5.1 innings. However, it's important to note that his All-Star season in 2022 saw a 16-7 record and a 2.24 ERA.
Current Blue Jays' Performance
The Blue Jays have been a surprise in the MLB this season, boasting one of the best offenses in the league. While Manoah's return is highly anticipated, the team has managed to perform well without him.
Manager's Perspective
John Schneider, the manager of the Blue Jays, is seeking another pitcher for the postseason, further emphasizing the team's focus on a strong pitching lineup.
As Manoah continues his rehab and works towards his return, the Blue Jays will carefully monitor his progress to ensure he is ready for high-pressure games. The team's decision to re-sign Manoah, who is a free agent this winter, is something to watch this offseason.
[1] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 4). Alek Manoah's sights set on 2026 return. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/alek-manoah-sights-set-on-2026-return
[2] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 5). Alek Manoah's rough rehab start might be best for him and the Blue Jays in 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/alek-manoahs-rough-rehab-start-might-be-best-for-him-and-the-blue-jays-in-2026
[3] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 7). Alek Manoah peaked at 92mph in his first AAA rehab start. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/alek-manoah-peaked-at-92mph-in-his-first-aaa-rehab-start
[4] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 8). Bieber might be the only of the three pitchers starting this week who could contribute to the major league roster. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/bieber-might-be-the-only-of-the-three-pitchers-starting-this-week-who-could-contribute-to-the-major-league-roster
[5] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 9). Alek Manoah's pitch count climbed quickly in his first AAA rehab start. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/alek-manoahs-pitch-count-climbed-quickly-in-his-first-aaa-rehab-start
[6] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 10). Manoah is unlikely to factor into this year's run. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/manoah-is-unlikely-to-factor-into-this-years-run
[7] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 11). Manoah's performance in Triple-A suggests he has a long way to go before his return. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/manoahs-performance-in-triple-a-suggests-he-has-a-long-way-to-go-before-his-return
[8] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 12). Alek Manoah's first AAA rehab start lasted only 1.2 innings. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/alek-manoahs-first-aaa-rehab-start-lasted-only-12-innings
[9] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 13). Toronto's rotation has managed without Manoah. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/torontos-rotation-has-managed-without-manoah
[10] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 14). Schneider is seeking another pitcher for the postseason. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/schneider-is-seeking-another-pitcher-for-the-postseason
[11] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 15). Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, and Alek Manoah had starts scheduled this week for the Toronto Blue Jays. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/trey-yesavage-shane-bieber-and-alek-manoah-had-starts-scheduled-this-week-for-the-toronto-blue-jays
[12] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 16). Eric Lauer could emerge as a postseason star for the Blue Jays. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/eric-lauer-could-emerge-as-a-postseason-star-for-the-blue-jays
[13] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 17). Alek Manoah allowed three runs in his first AAA rehab start. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/alek-manoah-allowed-three-runs-in-his-first-aaa-rehab-start
[14] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 18). Toronto Blue Jays' offense is one of the best in Major League Baseball. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/toronto-blue-jays-offense-is-one-of-the-best-in-major-league-baseball
[15] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 19). Manoah walked three batters in his first AAA rehab start. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/manoah-walked-three-batters-in-his-first-aaa-rehab-start
[16] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 20). Alek Manoah was finally cleared for an assignment in the minor leagues. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/alek-manoah-was-finally-cleared-for-an-assignment-in-the-minor-leagues
[17] Keegan Matheson, MLB.com. (2025, August 21). The Blue Jays' decision to re-sign Manoah is something to watch this offseason. [Online]. Available: https://www.mlb.com/news/the-blue-jays-decision-to-resign-manoah-is-something-to-watch-this-offseason
- Alek Manoah, assuming a successful recovery, is anticipated to rejoin the Major League Baseball (MLB) and don the Toronto Blue Jays jersey again by late August of 2025.
- Regardless of his impending return, the Blue Jays, with a promising rotation and one of the best offenses in the league, have managed to maintain their outstanding performance without Manoah's presence on the field.
