Angels release Alek Manoah following continued struggles

Alek Manoah. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Angels release Alek Manoah following continued struggles

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jul 29, 2026 4:02 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels have unconditionally released right-handed starting pitcher Alek Manoah following his continued struggles.

The 28-year-old has sported a 1-7 record with an inflated 15.43 ERA with 28 strikeouts and a 2.74 WHIP with triple-A and single-A this season.

His demotion to the minors on May 20 was followed by a brief stint in the majors for the Angels, logging a 9.82 ERA across three relief appearances. Manoah pitched as a long-reliever to help him recover from Tommy John surgery while also fulfilling the team's need for an immediate bullpen arm.

But being demoted to the minors is nothing new for Manoah, who was optioned to the minors twice in 2023 with the Toronto Blue Jays following arm injuries and control issues on the mound.

Alek Manoah released by the Angels.
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) July 29, 2026

Alek Manoah's performance continues to go on a decline

Manoah went from boasting a stellar 2.24 ERA as a Cy Young finalist in 2022 to a poor 5.87 ERA across 19 starts in 2023. His control issues were led by 58 walks across 87.1 innings with a high 1.74 WHIP. Overall, a mix of injuries, a loss of mechanics, severe control issues and a dip in velocity with his fastball has impacted his overall performance.

In his last five starts for AAA Salt Lake he pitched a total of 13 innings and gave up 35 earned runs. In his last start in Triple-A he pitched 3 2/3 innings, giving up seven runs while issuing six walks.

In triple-A this season his ERA has skyrocketed to 16.14 across 30 and 2/3 innings pitched.

All in all, he made 10 starts and averaged only three innings per start, which led the Angels to officially cut ties with him. What was once a reclamation project for the Angels has come to a close, following Manoah's unsuccessful attempt with rediscovering his All-Star form.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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