Alek Manoah Nears Return as Blue Jays Eye Reinforcement for Stretch Run

Alek Manoah Nears Return as Blue Jays Eye Reinforcement for Stretch Run

Alek Manoah Nears Return as Blue Jays Eye Reinforcement for Stretch Run

It looks like some long-awaited good news is finally on the horizon for Blue Jays fans—Alek Manoah is inching closer to a return. The Toronto right-hander is set to face live hitters in Florida on Tuesday, throwing two simulated innings as part of his rehab process. Manager John Schneider confirmed this during a media availability on Monday and mentioned that depending on how Manoah feels after this outing, he’ll either throw another live session or move directly into a rehab game.

This is a significant development considering Manoah’s long road back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in June 2024. At the time, he was expected to miss 12 to 14 months, putting any potential return toward the tail end of the 2025 season. Now, we’re right in that window, and if things go well, the big righty could be back just in time to give the Jays a crucial boost during the postseason push.

Also Read:

Before his injury, Manoah was trying to turn the page after a tough 2023 season. He was 1–2 with a 3.70 ERA through five starts in 2024 before being shut down. While those numbers weren’t eye-popping, they showed signs of the All-Star-caliber form that fans fell in love with in 2022—when he finished third in AL Cy Young voting and was a key part of Toronto’s rotation.

It’s been quite the journey for Manoah since being drafted out of West Virginia in 2019. He made his MLB debut in 2021 and quickly became one of the most exciting arms in the game, both for his performance and his fiery presence on the mound. At 27, he still has time to reclaim his place at the top of the rotation, and the Jays could certainly use that version of him as they lead the AL East and look toward October.

Toronto has been red hot, riding an eight-game win streak and sitting three games up in the division. With the team surging and the playoffs in sight, Manoah’s potential return couldn’t come at a better time. Whether he jumps into a bullpen role or gradually stretches back out as a starter, any contribution from him would be a massive boost.

All eyes will be on that session Tuesday in Florida. If his arm holds up and he feels strong, we could be just a couple of weeks away from seeing Alek Manoah back on a big-league mound—and that’s a storyline worth getting excited about.

Read More:

Post a Comment

0 Comments