Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah, after experiencing a bumpy season that led him back to the minor leagues, encountered some soreness during a recent bullpen session at the team’s training facility in Dunedin, Florida. The MRI results, however, showed “no structural concern at all,” according to manager John Schneider. Despite his stellar performance in 2022 with a 16-7 record and a 2.24 ERA, Manoah faced struggles last year with a 3-9 record and 5.87 ERA in 19 starts, leading to his demotion to the minors on two occasions.
During his first spring start, Alek Manoah hit three batters and threw just 17 of 38 pitches for strikes, casting doubts on his readiness for the upcoming season. Manager Schneider acknowledged Manoah’s lackluster performance and subsequent soreness, emphasizing the need to take a cautious approach to his training regimen. Manoah himself recognized the need to make adjustments, citing biomechanical issues and mechanical flaws that affected his pitching in the past.
Despite the setback and the challenges faced in the previous season, Alek Manoah arrived at camp with renewed motivation and determination to succeed. He expressed his desire to overcome his previous struggles and not let his teammates down on the field. Teammate Danny Jansen praised Manoah’s work ethic and the improvements he has made, noting that this could be the best version of the pitcher they have seen so far.
Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen echoed the sentiments of the coaching staff, highlighting the progress and dedication Alek Manoah has shown in the early stages of the spring training. Jansen praised Manoah’s confidence and the positive impact it can have on his performance on the mound. He emphasized that Manoah’s past successes were not a fluke and that he is poised to make a strong comeback in the upcoming season.
Alek Manoah’s journey back from the minor leagues and his determination to overcome adversity in spring training exemplify his resilience and commitment to improving as a pitcher. Despite the injury scare and the setbacks faced in the past, Manoah remains focused on refining his mechanics and delivering stellar performances on the mound. With the support of his teammates and coaches, Manoah is on track to make a significant impact in the upcoming season for the Toronto Blue Jays.