Alek Manoah's Rocky Return: Hope, Setbacks, and the Road Ahead
It’s been a long road back for Alek Manoah, and the Toronto Blue Jays faithful were eagerly waiting to see him back on the mound. But when Manoah made his first rehab start after undergoing Tommy John surgery, it wasn’t quite the triumphant return fans hoped for. In fact, it raised more questions than answers about what lies ahead for the 27-year-old right-hander.
This week, Manoah stepped onto the mound for the Florida Complex League Blue Jays in a game against the Detroit Tigers’ FCL affiliate. After being sidelined since May 29, 2024, and undergoing surgery on June 18 of that year, this outing was a milestone in his recovery. But in baseball, not all milestones come with applause. Manoah faced just five batters and only managed to record a single out. He allowed four runs — three earned — on one hit and two walks. It took him 22 pitches to get through just a third of an inning, with only 10 of them landing for strikes.
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This was a jarring sight for those who remember the dominance he displayed not long ago. As a Cy Young Award finalist in 2022, Manoah had emerged as a cornerstone of Toronto’s rotation. With a career ERA of 3.34, a WHIP of 1.164, and 412 strikeouts over 420 innings in 75 starts, his potential has never been in doubt. But injuries have a way of humbling even the most promising arms.
Still, it’s important not to overreact to a single rehab appearance. These starts are less about performance and more about how the arm feels. And the Blue Jays are taking the long view. Reports now confirm that Manoah will make his next rehab start with the Dunedin Blue Jays this Sunday, where he’s expected to pitch two innings. It’s a measured step forward, and all eyes will be on whether he can find more rhythm, control, and confidence.
For now, there’s no official timeline for his return to the Major League roster. The team will want to see him build up gradually, both in terms of innings and velocity, before they make any long-term decisions.
Manoah’s story is one of grit and talent, but this latest chapter is about resilience. It’s not the comeback performance fans dreamed of, but the road back from UCL surgery is never a straight line. If anything, this moment shows just how fragile — and how hard-earned — a return to elite pitching truly is. Sunday will offer a new chance, a new chapter, and maybe a glimpse of the Manoah we remember.
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