Rise of the Rookies: Blue Jays Elevate Hagen Danner for MLB Debut, Alek Sent Down

Blue Jays Promote Hagen Danner For MLB Debut, Option Alek Manoah

By Darragh McDonald | August 11, 2023 at 1:04pm CDT

Introduction

The Toronto Blue Jays announced today that right-hander Hagen Danner has been recalled from Triple-A and will be making his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in the near future. As a corresponding move, righty Alek Manoah has been optioned. This promotion marks a significant moment in Danner’s career, as he transitions from being a pitcher and a catcher in high school to a professional baseball player at the highest level.

Danner’s Journey

Hagen Danner, 24 years old, was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in 2017. Initially, the team attempted to develop him as a catcher, but his performance at the lower levels of the minor leagues did not meet expectations, prompting a move back to the mound. In 2021, Danner showcased his pitching skills in High-A, posting an impressive 2.02 earned run average (ERA) over 35 2/3 innings. He demonstrated his ability to strike out batters, with a solid 29.4% strikeout rate, while maintaining a 36.3% ground ball rate.

Despite limited professional pitching experience, the Blue Jays recognized Danner’s potential and added him to their 40-man roster in order to protect him from being selected in the Rule 5 draft. The 2022 season was marred by injuries, allowing Danner to only pitch 3 2/3 innings for the year. However, in 2023, he has shown promise across three different levels of the minor leagues, recording a 3.66 ERA over 39 1/3 innings. His strikeout rate stands at an impressive 35.7%, while his walk rate is a respectable 7%.

Manoah’s Season

This is the second time in the season that Alek Manoah has been sent on optional assignment. The first occurred in June after a rough start to the season, where he struggled with a 6.36 ERA. Manoah was later recalled, and although he has improved slightly with a 4.91 ERA, his walk rate remains on the higher side at 12.8%. As the Blue Jays have been utilizing a six-man rotation recently, Manoah finds himself the odd man out with the return of Hyun Jin Ryu and the presence of Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, and Yusei Kikuchi.

Editorial and Advice

The Blue Jays’ decision to promote Hagen Danner and option Alek Manoah reflects their commitment to developing young talent and maximizing their chances of success in the long term. Danner’s journey from a dual-position player in high school to a promising pitcher in the major leagues showcases the importance of patience and adaptability in the world of baseball. It is a reminder that success does not always come quickly or in the expected manner.

For Alek Manoah, being sent on optional assignment for the second time this season may seem disappointing, but it provides an opportunity for growth and improvement. Manoah should focus on refining his control and reducing his walk rate during his time in Triple-A. By doing so, he can increase his chances of being a valuable asset to the Blue Jays’ pitching rotation in the future.

It is worth noting that the Blue Jays’ six-man rotation has served them well, particularly during a demanding stretch of playing 17 games in a row. However, with three off-days approaching, the team has decided to streamline their pitching staff. This decision is a practical one, given the reduced need for multiple starters. It remains to be seen whether Manoah will have the chance to rejoin the team during the expanded September rosters or due to a potential injury to one of the current starters.

In conclusion, the promotion of Hagen Danner and the optioning of Alek Manoah demonstrate the Blue Jays’ commitment to their young players and their strategic considerations for the upcoming schedule. The decision to transition Danner to a full-time pitcher has paid off, and Manoah should use this time in Triple-A to refine his skills and make a strong case for his return to the major league roster. As the Blue Jays continue their campaign, these roster moves will undoubtedly have an impact on the team’s performance and their pursuit of a successful season.