Alek Manoah exited the game against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday evening with elbow discomfort. His 2024 season is looking bittersweet. The Blue Jays were hoping Manoah could return to his 2022 form, but he started the 2024 season injured, and now he’s awaiting an MRI of his elbow. Manoah was looking for his revival attempt when he took the mound against the White Sox, but it was cut short after he had to leave the game in the second inning.
The 2024 Season Has Not Been Kind To Blue Jays Pitcher
The Manoah Story
Manoah is just in his fourth MLB season pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays. But with all the ups and downs he has undergone in his career, it feels like it has been much longer. In Manoah’s first season in 2022, where he was an AL Cy Young finalist, he looked like one of the best pitchers in MLB. But he went from being an ace pitcher to a pitcher who struggled greatly in 2023. Being optioned to the minors multiple times, this season has continued to present setbacks for Manoah.
While Manoah has showcased some small sample sizes of improvement, he is still not near his 2022 form as a pitcher. The RHP had an opportunity to showcase another good start on Wednesday, facing a struggling White Sox team. Manoah started the game on a positive note, striking out three of the first six batters he faced. This was when things went downhill for him. He threw a pitch and immediately appeared in pain. He left the game shortly after. The Blue Jays bullpen was able to help out Manoah and provided the Blue Jays with a sweep against the White Sox. Manoah claimed that his elbow had been bothering him since his last start in Detroit. His elbow brought discomfort whenever he was following through with making a throw with a pitch. Toronto will have to see if the MRI presents an injury that isn’t too serious.
Unfortunate Timing For The Blue Jays
It’s unfortunate timing for Manoah and the Blue Jays. This injury occurred when Manoah was again getting into a groove at the major league level. At the same time, it is also a hard injury for the Blue Jays to deal with as they lack pitching depth. Bowden Francis and Yariel Rodriguez are still recovering from injuries and are on rehab assignments. It only leaves the Blue Jays with Paolo Espino, who has a 5.06 ERA. This is certainly a frustrating time for Manoah, who has continued to power through his struggles and is now facing another setback. The 2024 MLB season has certainly not been kind to many players this season, and the list continues to pile up with season-ending injuries.
Main Photo Credits: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
