BREAKING: The Atlanta Braves have just claimed former Blue Jays ace Alek Manoah off waivers, marking a significant shift for the struggling pitcher. Once a Cy Young contender, Manoah’s recent challenges with the Toronto Blue Jays led to his designation for assignment earlier this week.
Manoah burst onto the scene in 2021 with a stunning 9-2 record and followed that up in 2022 with a remarkable 16-7 season, posting a stellar 2.24 ERA and finishing third in the AL Cy Young voting. However, 2023 has been a different story for the right-hander, who was the Blue Jays’ opening day starter.
After a dismal start to the season, where he went 1-7 with a 6.36 ERA, Manoah was demoted to the rookie-level Florida Complex League in June. He made a brief return to the big leagues, going 2-2 with a 4.91 ERA in seven subsequent starts before being optioned to Triple-A in August. Unfortunately, he underwent season-ending elbow surgery, limiting his appearances to five starts with a 1-2 record and a 3.70 ERA.
Most recently, Manoah was rehabbing at Triple-A Buffalo, where he posted a 1-1 record with a 2.97 ERA in seven starts. However, he struggled with home runs, allowing six out of the 27 hits he gave up to leave the park.
In a related move to make space on their 40-man roster, the Braves transferred infielder Ozzie Albies to the 60-day injured list after he was diagnosed with a fractured hamate bone in his left hand earlier this week. This development adds urgency to the Braves’ roster adjustments as they aim to bolster their pitching staff with Manoah.
This acquisition could be a pivotal moment for Manoah, who will look to reclaim his former prowess with the Braves. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how this former star adapts to his new team and whether he can turn his career around.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and follow the Braves as they integrate Manoah into their lineup.
