To say that the 2023 season has been a nightmare for Toronto Blue Jays starter Alek Manoah would be an understatement.
A Cy Young finalist in the American League last year, Manoah made 19 starts with the Blue Jays this season.
He had a 5.87 ERA in them, one of the worst marks in the league.
Manoah’s year included a stint in the Complex League to work on several issues, mostly mechanical.
He wasn’t much better upon returning and was sent to Triple-A on August 11.
He has been shut down since that date, and the motives are quite shocking.
“Alek Manoah never reported to Triple-A when he was optioned on August 11th because he was upset about the decision, per @SNJeffBlair. Manoah reportedly has not even been throwing bullpens or side sessions. It’s unlikely that he’ll pitch in a game again this year,” Talkin’ Baseball tweeted.
Alek Manoah never reported to Triple-A when he was optioned on August 11th because he was upset about the decision, per @SNJeffBlair
Manoah reportedly has not even been throwing bullpens or side sessions. It’s unlikely that he’ll pitch in a game again this year pic.twitter.com/P6y3Bw5xwD
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 12, 2023
There is a major attitude problem that Manoah needs to solve.
A pitcher that doesn’t comply with his team’s decision is almost unheard of.
It could carry serious long-term consequences for Manoah, at least regarding his place in the Blue Jays’ plans.
Toronto has done just fine without the troubled pitcher: they have a solid 80-64 record and are in possession of the second Wild Card in the American League.
Things are tight, though, so they aren’t assured of a place in October yet.
It would have been great for them to count on their star pitcher from 2021 and 2022, but if his head and heart aren’t in it, shutting him down sounded like the most logical choice.
NEXT: Graph Shows The Blue Jays' Quick Turnaround
