Alek Manoah’s Woes Continue In Rookie Ball
Photo by Mark Blinch (Getty Images)
Over this season, Alek Manoah has been struggling which comes as a surprise for many fans over the year. This comes as a surprise because last season Manoah was 3rd in AL Cy Young voting and 17th in MVP. Furthermore, he went 16-7 with a 2.24 era also posted an 8.2 strikeouts per 9. This was a positive trend for Manoah showing that he has the stuff to be a great major league pitcher. However, this year has been a little different, this year over his first 13 games Manoah has posted a 1-7 record, 6.36 era, in 58 innings. Manoah’s struggles have been out of the blue and took his team the Toronto Blue Jays by surprise considering they were looking him as their “ace”. Things this season have gotten so bad that the Blue Jays sent Manoah down to their rookie division. Now normally, teams send their players down to their minor league affiliate and let their young players work out the kinks. This time however, the Blue Jays sent Manoah all the way down to the first level of the minors called Rookie Ball. Manoah has been working down in the Florida Complex where the Blue Jays rookie affiliate is located. Recently Manoah took the mound against the Yankees rookie affiliate which has players ranging from age 17-20. In his first start Manoah went 2.2 innings, 11 earned runs, 10 hits, 2 homeruns, 3 strikeouts, and 2 walks. This is less than ideal for Manoah and the Jays as they were looking for their ace to get back on track. It seems like no one knows what’s affecting Manoah, from having the yips to just not having his command it is a big problem. The game of baseball saw what Manoah was capable of as recently as last year. For instance, in last years Allstar Game Manoah was on the mound with an earpiece in while pitching. In his ear was Hall of Famer and broadcaster John Smoltz, who was telling him what to throw and it was working. It has been hard to watch as of late and all you can really do is feel bad for Manoah. Hopefully soon while in Rookie Ball Alek Manoah can figure out what’s affecting him, and he can return to his All Star form.