Alek Manoah will start against the Detroit Tigers on Friday
5 months ago
Alek Manoah is back baby.
On Tuesday evening, Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reported that the 25-year-old right-handed pitcher would get the start against the Detroit Tigers on Friday.
The big man made two starts in the minor leagues, one with the FCL Jays where he allowed 11 earned runs in just 2.2 innings pitched. His start in Double-A was much better, finishing with a line of 5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 10 K and a hit batter.
After finishing third in American League Cy Young voting in 2022, Manoah’s third season in the big leagues didn’t go according to plan. In 58 innings pitched, he had a 6.36 ERA and a 6.54 FIP, along with a 17 K% (the lowest in his career) and a 14.9 BB%, by far the highest in his career.
The big question that’s being asked is “is Alek Manoah ready to return”. While he did exude confidence on the mound with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in his last start, he’s not too far removed from allowing 11 earned run to teenagers.
Say he struggles in his first game back, then what’s the plan? The Blue Jays have to be completely sure that Manoah is ready, and it may have been more ideal to call him back up after the all-star break, where he could get another start in with the Fisher Cats, or maybe even the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
However, if he is ready, and can pitch like the 2022 Alek Manoah, I think it’s arguable that the Blue Jays have the best starting rotation in the league, but that is a big if.
If he can eat innings and roll with a 4.50 ERA or whatever, this would allow the Jays to focus elsewhere at the trade deadline, such as bringing in a right-handed batting outfielder.
With that being said, hopefully Manoah’s return will be a lot better than his first few months in the majors!
As always, you can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Brennan_L_D.
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