The Toronto Blue Jays have been hit with a setback as they await the return of their promising young pitcher, Alek Manoah. According to a report by Globalnews.ca, there is currently no set timeline for Manoah’s return to the team.
Manoah, who was drafted by the Blue Jays in 2019, made his Major League debut earlier this season and quickly established himself as a key member of the team’s rotation. The 23-year-old right-hander has posted a 2-1 record with a 2.90 ERA in six starts, striking out 38 batters in 31 innings pitched.
However, Manoah was placed on the 10-day injured list on July 16 due to a back contusion. At the time, it was hoped that he would only miss one or two starts, but his recovery has been slower than expected.
Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo recently provided an update on Manoah’s status, saying that he is still experiencing discomfort in his back and has not yet resumed throwing. “We’re just going to take it day by day,” Montoyo said. “We don’t want to rush him back.”
The absence of Manoah is a blow to the Blue Jays, who are currently fighting for a playoff spot in the American League. The team has already dealt with a number of injuries to key players this season, including outfielder George Springer and pitchers Hyun Jin Ryu and Ross Stripling.
Despite the setbacks, the Blue Jays have remained competitive thanks to the contributions of players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Marcus Semien, and Robbie Ray. However, the team will need all hands on deck if they hope to make a run at the postseason.
As for Manoah, it remains to be seen when he will be able to return to action. Back injuries can be tricky to recover from, and the Blue Jays will likely err on the side of caution to ensure that their young pitcher is fully healthy before he takes the mound again.
In the meantime, the Blue Jays will continue to rely on their other starters, including Ray, Alek’s fellow rookie Nate Pearson, and veteran Steven Matz. The team will also look to its bullpen to pick up the slack, with relievers like Jordan Romano and Tim Mayza playing key roles.
While the absence of Manoah is certainly a setback for the Blue Jays, the team has shown resilience all season long. With a talented roster and a never-say-die attitude, the Blue Jays will continue to fight for a playoff spot, with or without their promising young pitcher.
