In a positive sign for his and the team’s future, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah threw his first mound session today since undergoing Tommy John surgery. This was a big step forward for the 2022 AL Cy Young Award finalist, who had the major operation last June 17th. The procedure consisted of a collateral ligament replacement while also including an internal brace suture. But the good news is that Manoah is now past the most difficult obstacles of his recovery. The 27-year-old showed strong promise in his performance, which has signaled signs of his return to dominant form. Manoah was seeking his redemption tour last season but didn’t earn the results he was hoping for.
Alek Manoah’s first pitches off a mound since June, 2024. #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/qX9G0SGcSG
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) March 14, 2025
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Alek Manoah’s Future Looking Bright Following Tommy John Surgery
In Manoah’s bullpen session, he successfully struck out Trey Lipscomb with his sinker while also striking out teammate Alejandro Kirk. He also finished the inning, striking out another batter. All things considered, it was a strong performance, but what does Manoah’s future hold with the Blue Jays this season? Toronto’s current starting rotation consists of Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, and Bowden Francis. While the Blue Jays could add a sixth starter to the rotation, Yariel Rodríguez has already been highlighted as a possible fit in the rotation and has been making starts in camp this season.
But Rodríguez’s role hasn’t been defined yet. It is possible he will be utilized as a high-leverage reliever in the bullpen. The Blue Jays’ bullpen has been boosted this season with the return of Yimi García and the acquisition of Jeff Hoffman. But the bullpen is already facing injuries to Erik Swanson and Ryan Burr. It was disclosed through an MRI that Swason’s elbow discomfort resulted in a diagnosis of median nerve entrapment. But the good news was that it revealed no structural damage. Burr has been dealing with right shoulder fatigue, with his timetable of return still unknown. Both injuries indicate that additional arms in the bullpen are needed.
A Possible Call to the Pen
While the Blue Jays officially re-signed Dillon Tate to an MLB deal on March 12th, providing them with more depth, having Manoah pitch in the bullpen would provide the relief corps with more experience. Manoah hasn’t pitched in the majors since last May 29. He was shut down for the season following his elbow injury. Manoah has often gone through struggles that have occasionally forced the Blue Jays to send him down to the minors. Realistically speaking, considering these circumstances, having him pitch in the bullpen might be the most suitable for him.
This would also provide the Blue Jays with extended depth and would help boost his confidence. The last thing the Blue Jays want is to force him into the rotation before he’s ready. This would place him in an uncomprising position, which could set back his progress. Alek Manoah’s struggles as a starting pitcher back in 2023 have heightened uncertainty about his future role with the Blue Jays. But a move to the pen could help him regain his form and confidence by pitching fewer innings, similar to Rodríguez.
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