In his debut pre-season start, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Manoah faced a series of challenges that tested his abilities on the mound. The highly anticipated prospect showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled at times, highlighting the ups and downs that come with being a young player in the major leagues.
Manoah, who was selected 11th overall in the 2019 MLB Draft, has been touted as one of the top pitching prospects in the Blue Jays organization. With a fastball that can reach up to 98 mph and a devastating slider, the 23-year-old right-hander has the potential to be a dominant force on the mound.
However, in his first taste of big league action, Manoah faced some adversity. In his pre-season start against the New York Yankees, he gave up three runs on four hits in just two innings of work. While he did strike out three batters, he also struggled with his command at times, walking two hitters and hitting another.
Despite the rough outing, Manoah remained positive and focused on the learning experience. “It was definitely a learning experience for me,” he said after the game. “I know I have to work on my command and be more consistent with my pitches. But I’m confident that I can make the necessary adjustments and come back stronger next time.”
Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo also expressed confidence in Manoah’s abilities, noting that it’s all part of the development process for young pitchers. “It’s important for him to face these challenges now so he can learn from them and grow as a player,” Montoyo said. “We believe in his talent and we know he has what it takes to succeed at this level.”
Overall, Manoah’s debut pre-season start may not have gone as smoothly as he had hoped, but it was a valuable learning experience for the young pitcher. With his talent and determination, there’s no doubt that he will continue to work hard and improve as he progresses through the ranks of professional baseball. Fans can look forward to seeing more of Manoah in the future as he strives to reach his full potential in the major leagues.
