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Rehab Start Success for Toronto Blue Jays’ Alek Manoah
After facing a challenging first inning during his rehab start, Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher Alek Manoah showcased resilience and skill by delivering 4.2 consecutive scoreless frames on the mound for the triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
Manoah encountered early difficulties, allowing three impactful hits and two runs in the opening inning of the game. The opposing Columbus Clippers left fielder, Jonathan Rodriguez, managed to hit a striking 379-foot home run off Manoah’s pitching.
Despite this initial setback, the 26-year-old right-hander regrouped and displayed a remarkable performance, completing a total of 5.2 innings with a final pitch count of 92, 61 of which were strikes. Throughout the game, Manoah permitted six hits, two runs, and no walks, while impressively striking out five batters.
Following the challenging start, Manoah significantly minimized the number of hard-hit balls by the opposing team, showcasing his adaptability and resilience under pressure.
Meticulous Pitching Performance
During the game, Manoah utilized a diverse range of pitches, including 32 sliders, 30 fastballs, 22 sinkers, and eight changeups. His average pitch velocity stood at 92.8 miles per hour, reaching a peak of 95.8 mph with his fastball. Notably, Manoah managed to secure four swing-and-miss strikes with his slider, highlighting his command and finesse on the mound.
In the sixth inning, following a solid performance by Manoah, left-handed pitcher Brendon Little took over the pitching duties with the Buffalo Bisons leading by a score of 3-2. Little effectively contained the opposing team, leaving the tying run stranded at second base.
Rehab Progress and Future Prospects
After encountering challenges in his previous two rehab starts in 2024, Alek Manoah’s performance on Friday marked a significant stride forward for the talented six-foot-six pitcher. Currently rehabbing from shoulder soreness initially experienced during spring training, Manoah is determined to reclaim his spot in the major leagues.
Following a less-than-ideal 2023 season that resulted in multiple demotions to the minors and a disappointing 5.87 ERA over 87.1 innings with the Toronto Blue Jays, Manoah is actively working to prove his capabilities and secure a roster position in the upcoming games.
Notably, Manoah’s impressive track record includes being a Cy Young finalist and an AL All-Star in 2022, underscoring his potential as a valuable asset to the Blue Jays’ pitching lineup. Currently placed on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder soreness, Manoah has a 30-day rehab window to showcase his skills and potential roster readiness before a final decision is made regarding his assignment to the 26-man roster or the minor leagues.
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