Alek Manoah’s Triple-A Debut

Alek Manoah, the Toronto Blue Jays’ standout right-handed pitcher, made his highly anticipated Triple-A start with the Buffalo Bisons on Wednesday. Despite high expectations, Manoah struggled to find his rhythm, recording just five outs while giving up three earned runs on two hits, issuing three walks, and hitting one batter. This performance highlights the adjustment period even elite pitchers face after stepping up to a higher level of competition.

Manager Casey Candaele’s Insights

Buffalo Bisons manager Casey Candaele described Manoah’s outing as typical for a player shaking off rust. Candaele emphasized that the struggles were not alarming and part of Manoah’s process to regain form and timing. Trivia cue: Manoah is known for his fastball velocity, often reaching over 95 mph, which makes any slight loss of control more noticeable at Triple-A level.

Next Steps for Manoah

Despite the rough start, Manoah’s trajectory remains promising. Candaele noted that adjustments and repetitions will help him regain his command and composure. Fans can expect a smoother performance in his subsequent starts, as Manoah continues to hone his skills in preparation for a return to the majors.

Fun Fact

Fun trivia: Alek Manoah was drafted fourth overall by the Blue Jays in the 2019 MLB Draft, making him one of the highest-picked Canadian pitchers in recent history.

Source: Sportsnet