Blue Jays vs Tigers: Predicting the Battle on the Diamond

Questioning the Decision to Recall Alek Manoah

The decision by the Toronto Blue Jays to recall pitcher Alek Manoah to start a game against the Detroit Tigers has raised eyebrows and left many fans and analysts puzzled. After a disastrous first two months of the season, Manoah was sent down to the minors to re-find his game. However, the question remains: is a month in the minors enough for him to get back on track?

A Lose-Lose Situation for Manoah

Bringing Manoah back to face the light-hitting Tigers may seem like a good opportunity for him to regain confidence, but it also puts him in a tough situation. If he pitches well against a Triple-A lineup, it may not prove much given the lack of competition. On the other hand, if he struggles against this lineup, it could further damage his confidence and potentially hinder his progress.

Manoah’s struggles in the first two months of the season were evident. His velocity was down, he lost his command, and his strikeout numbers were dismal. His expected ERA, expected batting average, and expected slugging percentage were all in the bottom 9% of the league. Clearly, something was not right, leading to his demotion to the minors.

Can a Month in the Minors Fix Everything?

The Toronto Blue Jays sent Manoah down to work on his mechanics and get in better shape. However, his performance in the minors raises concerns about whether a month was enough to address these issues. In his first start in rookie ball, he was rocked for 11 earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings. While his next outing was better, it’s unclear if these performances are indicative of readiness for Big League hitting again.

Additionally, Manoah’s struggles in the first inning are worrisome. He owns an ugly 10.95 ERA and a .959 OPS in the first inning this season. This gives the Tigers a good chance to start the game strong. On the other side, the Tigers‘ starting pitcher, Alex Faedo, is also coming off a rough outing, giving up six runs in his last start against the Texas Rangers.

Editorial: Proceed with Caution

Given the uncertainty surrounding Manoah’s readiness and the Tigers‘ ability to take advantage of struggling pitching, it’s important for the Toronto Blue Jays to exercise caution. The decision to bring back Manoah to face the Tigers indicates a belief that he is ready to return, but there are risks involved.

Despite the Tigers‘ struggles this season, their ability to capitalize on poor pitching cannot be underestimated. The Blue Jays’ strong batting lineup may provide some confidence, especially after a successful sweep of the Chicago White Sox earlier in the week. However, it would be prudent to closely monitor Manoah’s performance and not push him too hard in his first start back.

Advice: Consider the Over 1.5 Runs in the First Inning

Given the uncertainties surrounding Manoah’s readiness and the Tigers‘ potential to exploit vulnerable pitching, it may be wise to consider betting on the over 1.5 runs in the first inning. The Tigers have a good chance to get off to a strong start against Manoah, and the Blue Jays’ bats may also benefit from the momentum of their recent series sweep.

Ultimately, it is important to approach this game with caution and closely monitor the early innings for any signs of Manoah’s performance. The outcome of this game could provide insights into Manoah’s progress and whether a month in the minors was sufficient to address his struggles.