Alek Manoah made his much anticipated 2024 season debut for the Toronto Blue Jays on Yesterday afternoon after being sent to down for assignment to Triple-A Buffalo after recovering from a shoulder injury. His first start back was lets just say... Underwhelming.
Alek Manoah has given up seven runs (six earned) to the Nationals in his first MLB start since last August
In 4 innings of work, Manoah gave up 6 earned runs with 6 strikeouts, His command and location were clearly off as he walked 4 batters and gave up two home runs. His pitch total was 92 with only 52 being strikes...
Alek Manoah's first start back with the Blue Jays: - 4 IP, 7 R (6 ER), 6 K, 6 H, 4 BB
Per MLB.com, When asked about his first start back he said that:
«I don't think it's a control thing,» it was just me trying to be on the outside corner, trying to be too fine. It's about understanding I'm not Greg Maddux. I'm not going to be Greg Maddux. My fastball has great life. I've just got to go out there and trust it.»
It seems unlikely that he will return to his old self where he was a Cy Young candidate, but that doesn't mean he cant be a solid starter or arm out of the bullpen in the Major leagues. He still has lots of potential he just has to put together quality starts.
