Blue Jays’ Alek Manoah showcases off-season workout routine

Alek Manoah is working hard to return to his All-Star form next season following a disastrous 2023 campaign that saw him demoted to the minors on two occasions.

The Toronto Blue Jays starter, focused on preparing his body for 2024, shared multiple Instagram stories of his workout sessions on Tuesday that showed him working on his lower half. And, as you might expect, it wasn’t long before many took notice across social media.

Manoah followed that up with another series of IG posts Wednesday morning, showcasing multiple leg-targeted exercises to help increase his strength and mobility.

These recent updates appear encouraging, especially considering Manoah voiced concern about experiencing elbow and shoulder soreness before reporting to triple-A Buffalo last September. He ultimately received multiple arm injections to reduce inflammation and discomfort in his right arm, signalling the end of his third big-league season.

Team doctors found no structural damage in their visits with Manoah, as reported by Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, ruling out the possibility of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or any other serious injuries.

The 25-year-old struggled to a 6.36 ERA with 42 walks and only 48 strikeouts in 58.0 innings over 13 starts before being optioned to the Flordia Complex League last June. He made just two minor-league starts and numerous adjustments behind the scenes before returning a month later.

Manoah enjoyed a strong return in Detroit – striking out eight Tigers hitters across six innings of one-run ball – but reverted to his previous woes immediately after, posting a 5.79 ERA while issuing 17 walks over his final five starts. At which point, with Hyun Jin Ryu back from Tommy John surgery, the Blue Jays optioned the struggling righty to the Buffalo Bisons in August.

Amid concerns about his health and reportedly disagreeing with his second demotion, Manoah didn’t report to triple-A at first, forcing the organization’s top minor-league affiliate to endure an extended stretch one arm short. It was only after he was placed on the temporarily inactive list – which freed up a roster spot – that he arrived.

Looking ahead to next season, the 2022 AL Cy Young finalist will likely enter spring training in competition for the Blue Jays’ final rotation spot, joining Bowden Francis, an external addition and potentially top prospect Ricky Tiedemann.