Blue Jays reassign Alek Manoah to Buffalo, promote Hagen

Toronto Blue Jays Option Alek Manoah to Triple-A Buffalo

The Move and the Reasoning Behind It

The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Friday that they have optioned right-handed pitcher Alek Manoah to Triple-A Buffalo. The corresponding move saw the Blue Jays recall right-handed pitcher Hagen Danner. Manoah last pitched on Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians, where he gave up four earned runs on four hits in four innings.

The decision to option Manoah is part of the team’s transition back to a five-man starting rotation after using a six-man rotation for a stretch of 17 games. With two off days next week and the growing importance of upcoming games, the Blue Jays felt it was the right time to make this change. Returning to an eight-man bullpen also played a role in the decision.

While Hyun Jin Ryu has been performing well since his return from Tommy John surgery, Manoah’s recent struggles made him the most likely candidate to be dropped from the rotation. Manoah has a 3-9 record with a 5.87 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP through 87.1 innings pitched in 2023. Command and pitch efficiency are areas where Manoah needs improvement, according to analysts.

Reflections on Manoah’s Performance and Previous Demotion

This is not the first time Manoah has been optioned this season. In early June, he was demoted after a difficult start to the 2023 season. Prior to his demotion, Manoah had a 1-7 record and a 6.36 ERA, giving up 41 earned runs in 58 innings pitched. However, in his second minor-league start since his demotion on July 2, he showed improvement, striking out 10 batters over five innings for the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

Last season, Manoah was named an All-Star and finished third in Cy Young Award voting. He had an impressive record of 16-7, accompanied by a 2.24 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. The Blue Jays have high hopes for Manoah and are likely seeking to provide him with an opportunity to refine his skills and regain his form in the minor leagues before potentially returning to the major league rotation.

Editorial and Advice

The decision to send Manoah to Triple-A Buffalo comes as a strategic move by the Toronto Blue Jays. While there is no doubt that Manoah has the potential to be a valuable asset to the team, his recent struggles and the need for a more streamlined starting rotation have led to this decision.

Development and improvement are vital aspects of any player’s career, especially for a young pitcher like Manoah. This temporary demotion should allow him to work on his command and pitch efficiency in a less pressured environment, while also giving the Blue Jays an opportunity to assess other pitching options.

It is important for Manoah to approach this demotion with a positive mindset and see it as an opportunity for growth. Similar to his previous minor-league start, he should use this time to focus on honing his skills and refining his pitching mechanics. By showing consistent improvement and a dedication to his craft, Manoah can prove that he is ready for a full return to the major league rotation in the near future.

For the Toronto Blue Jays, maintaining a strong starting rotation will be crucial as they navigate a competitive American League East. The team’s decision to return to a five-man rotation, coupled with the return of Ryu and the emergence of other pitchers like Yusei Kikuchi, signals their commitment to optimizing their pitching staff for success.

Conclusion

The optioning of Alek Manoah to Triple-A Buffalo by the Toronto Blue Jays is a strategic move aimed at managing the team’s starting rotation more effectively. It provides Manoah with an opportunity to work on his command and pitch efficiency in a less pressured environment while allowing the Blue Jays to assess other pitching options. Ultimately, the success of this decision will depend on Manoah’s ability to embrace the opportunity for growth and the team’s ability to maintain a strong and competitive pitching staff.

(Note: The analysis and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the New York Times or its affiliates.)