Blue Jays pondering options for Alek Manoah's next start
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After a wobbly start to his game action on his road back to the big leagues, the Blue Jays are considering getting Alek Manoah out of the heat.
Literally.
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Blue Jays pondering options for Alek Manoah's next start Back to video
While still professing to believe the big right hander is on the right track to regaining his form, there is work to be done. And the Jays feel a change in scenery from the Florida Complex League may be in order.
“We’ll figure out the best next step wherever that will be,” manager John Schneider said, adding that Manoah will pitch a side session in Dunedin on Friday. “It’s definitely on the table to have it being at a different venue. For those who haven’t been to the Florida Complex League. It’s not the most enthusiastic atmosphere for Alek.
“He’s doing fine. He was encouraged by the things we were talking about. I know the common fan doesn’t take much into that. It’s easy to say that because of the box score, but he’s been down there with a very aligned set of goals.”
How much longer he’s down there is anyone’s guess, but a return to the Jays rotation isn’t around the corner.
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That said, general manager Ross Atkins vowed that the 2022 all-star will return to the Jays rotation prior to the season’s end.
“Absolutely,” Atkins said. “That’s the expectation. I would be very surprised if that were not the case.
“It’s just a matter of time and how much time I don’t think anybody knows the answer to.”
Atkins stressed that Manoah will not be rushed back to the big team and thus isn’t even hinting at a return timeline.
“It’s really just about him being closer to the pitcher that he was a year ago that allows him to be getting deep into the game and being efficient with his pitches.”
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The GM was purposefully vague when asked if there were any physical changes required.
“There’s nothing he has to do,” Atkins said. “It’s about him being in a position to be efficient and effective. Part of it is strike throwing and part of it is the shape of his weapons.
“I feel like we are in a positive trend with him.”
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