Blue Jays: Alek Manoah pitched in competitive game for first time in over a year

The on-field results weren’t great, as he got one out while giving up four runs (three earned). He also walked two batters, hit a batter, and struck out a batter, which gives him an ERA of 81. That said, the results in this game didn’t matter at all, even the Blue Jays’ general manager, John Schneider, said so.

As for his stuff, Manoah’s fastball sat 93.5 mph, reaching a tick below 95 mph at 94.8 mph. He also threw a changeup, slider, and sinker, the latter averaged 93.8 mph on four pitches. In total, he threw 22 pitches, only 10 of which for strikes. This reads as a player who hasn’t pitched competitively for over a year.

With Manoah being sent on a rehab assignment, that means that the 27-year-old will be reinstated from the 60-day Injured List in less than a month. A whole lot can change in that time, especially with the trade deadline on the horizon. The question is, where will Manoah fit in the Blue Jays’ plans? Their rotation could be filled, and it may not be wise to place him in the bullpen. He also has option years remaining, meaning he could finish the season with the Buffalo Bisons.

Manoah wasn’t the only player on a rehab assignment with the Florida Complex League Blue Jays on Monday. Josh Kasevich started as their designated hitter, while Brock Tibbitts started as the catcher. Easton Lucas also pitched on a rehab assignment, striking out four batters in the three innings that he worked.

It’s good to see Manoah back on the mound, and hopefully, he can find his 2022 form when he returns.