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Toronto Blue Jays Ross Atkins explains decision to DFA Alek Manoah
The Toronto Blue Jays decided to DFA pitcher Alek Manoah yesterday which took everyone by surprise and GM Ross Atkins explained the decision afterwards.
The Blue Jays announced a long list of roster moves yesterday which involved Manoah being DFA'd, Anthony Santander being activated from IL and Ty France being placed on IL.
Ross Atkins explains decision to designate Alek Manoah for asssignment
Manoah has had a tough couple of years since being the Cy Young finalist in 2022 but many believed that since the Blue Jays stuck with him so long, they would not part ways with him like this.
Atkins told reporters that the deicision to DFA Manoah was not easy but the front office felt like this was the best move for the team and it was necessary due to a roster crunch.
«These are always tough decisions. This just came down to a roster crunch and us feeling like [this was] the best decision for us to hold depth and support this staff as we push forward into very important weeks,» Atkins said. «We chose others over him, obviously, so this was a very tough, very difficult decision. They always are.» -Atkins
The most surprising part is that Manoah actually looked quite solid during his rehab assignment with the Bisons in which he put up a 2.97 ERA in 33.1 innings pitched and a total of 30 strikeouts.
"While many of his peripheral numbers weren't as encouraging as his 2.97 ERA with the Bisons, Manoah still had team control remaining and was widely expected to come into camp next spring competing for a spot at the back of the Blue Jays' rotation." -Matheson
Now, the Blue Jays will wait to see if Manoah ends up clearing waivers or not and from there they will decide with him if he ends up staying in Toronto or if he decides to become a free agent.
Manoah has spent his entire career with the Blue Jays and after this move, he might feel best for a fresh start elsewhere but only time will tell.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 24 | 1021 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays Ross Atkins explains decision to DFA Alek Manoah Should the Blue Jays have kept Alek Manoah until the end of the season? | ||
| Yes | 324 | 31.7 % |
| No | 697 | 68.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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