Blue Jays activate Anthony Santander from Injured List, shocking DFA Alek Manoah

One word to describe this roster move is “shocking”. Manoah has had a rough three seasons, but was an American League Cy Young nominee in 2022. That season, his second season in the big leagues, Manoah had a 2.24 ERA and 3.35 FIP in 196.2 innings pitched, but struggled in Game 1 of the postseason.

His career derailed from there, as the pitch clock was introduced before the 2023 season. In 87.1 innings pitched, Manoah had a 5.87 ERA and 6.01 FIP, with the Blue Jays optioning the 27-year-old.

Starting the 2024 season on the Injured List, he returned in May and gave up six earned runs in four innings in his first start back. In Manoah’s next two starts, he looked like the Manoah of old, giving up no earned runs over 14 innings pitched, going seven innings in both games. He struggled in his last full outing, giving up four earned runs in four and two-thirds of an inning, and was pulled from his May 29 start.

Later, it was announced that Manoah needed Tommy John surgery, missing the rest of the 2024 season and most of the 2025 season. He returned to action on rehab stints in August, and pitched 38.2 innings where he had a 3.96 ERA and 5.86 FIP in 38.2 innings pitched. Like 2023, Manoah struggled with command, posting a 12.8 BB% while striking out just 19.6% of batters.

There were other options to designate for assignment, such as Easton Lucas, Dillon Tate, or Justin Bruihl. It’s even more confusing considering that the Jays may lose Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, and Shane Bieber to free agency this off-season. That said, Manoah was expected to make over $2 million in arbitration, so that probably has something to do with the Jays’ decision. We’ll see if anything comes of it, but it doesn’t seem like Manoah will remain in this organization for much longer.

As for Santander, the 30-year-old’s bat will be a welcome addition to the Jays’ lineup, especially if he can produce over these final six games. It’s been a tough season for Santander; he’s slashing .179/.273/.304 with six home runs in 209 plate appearances, but his shoulder injury hasn’t helped. If the Blue Jays get his bat going and Bo Bichette back for the postseason, that’ll be a dangerous lineup.

Ty France was placed on the 10-day Injured List, meaning that he’ll still be an option in the playoffs when he can come off the IL on October 4th. France has been slightly below average since coming over in a trade before the trade deadline, slashing .277/.320/.372 with one home run in 103 plate appearances. With France on the IL, Joey Loperfido likely backs up first base.