ESPNJ4. Jul 2023 6:58pm ET1 minute read
According to manager John Schneider on Tuesday, Alek Manoah will return to the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation team on Friday.
The right-hander, who was sent off on June 6 after weeks of fighting to start in 2023, will be in the starting XI against the Tigers in Detroit. Kevin Gausman, who was scheduled to pitch on Friday, will now pitch on Saturday instead.
Manoah was a 2022 American League All-Star and Cy Young finalist after reaching 16-7 in 31 starts with a 2.24 ERA. But in 2023 he was a completely different pitcher, going 1-7 with a 6.36 ERA in 13 starts before the Blue Jays decided last month to send him to the Florida Complex League at rookie level. Schneider said at the time the team wanted him to focus on his form and not have to worry about the regular competition.
He was hit hard in his first game back to the Minors, allowing 11 runs over 2⅔ innings last Tuesday. But Schneider downplayed these issues with hindsight.
“Of course I saw the score, but I also heard what we talked about in terms of shot throw, throw, pace and speed, everything was positive,” the manager told reporters. “The rest can be treated with caution.
“I don’t think one day, one trip, one report will really change [what the Jays think of his rehab assignment]. I think there is enough track record, confidence and belief in him.”