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2025 Transactions: Alek Manoah Demoted, Orelvis Martinez DFA’d

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 12:11 PM ET

Toronto won their 84th game of 2025 on September 11 thanks to the brilliance of Kevin Gausman. However, that wasn’t the only Blue Jays-related news on the day. There was more, aside from the Anthony Santander rehab start. Toronto activated Alek Manoah and DFA’d prospect Orelvis Martinez. Manoah, though, will stick in Buffalo for now.

Manoah assigned to Triple-A

The Blue Jays activated pitcher Alek Manoah on September 11, as his rehab assignment time officially ran out. However, Toronto optioned Manoah to Triple-A Buffalo to continue to work.

Aside from the questions about where he would fit in the Blue Jays’ rotation if he were to have stayed in Toronto, Manoah’s numbers down in Buffalo were not spectacular.

While Manoah posted a 3.09 ERA with the Bisons, the right-hander walked 12 over 23 frames. On top of that, the velocity was up and down. During his second rehab outing with Dunedin (A) on July 20, Manoah averaged close to 94 MPH off the sinker. From that point forward, he was sitting in the 90-91 MPH range with the Bisons.

Manoah SI Velo Rehab AAA 2025 Data includes A and AAA data. (via New Baseball Media)

Keep in mind that Manoah averaged around 94 MPH on the two-seamer last year.

Martinez designated for assignment

In related news, the Blue Jays designated former top prospect Orelvis Martinez for assignment on the 11th. The move was made to re-add Manoah to the 40-man roster, which is necessary since he’s under a Major League contract.

Martinez was a standout prospect who signed with the Blue Jays for a $3.5MM bonus back in 2018. He was well-known for his power and figured to be a second or third baseman who could contribute with the bat. But, with hefty swing-and-miss concerns.

However, Martinez was suspended for PEDs last season shortly after he was promoted to the Majors. This year, Martinez did not produce in Buffalo compared to past seasons. He slashed .176/.288/.348 (.636 OPS) across 99 games with the Bisons.

He played in just one Major League game for the Jays back in June 2024, going 1-3.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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