Is Alek Manoah Enduring Another Setback in MLB Comeback Attempt?

Only a few starts into his MLB comeback, Alek Manoah may be enduring another setback following his brief appearance on Wednesday night.

Manoah lasted only 1.2 innings in his start and reports from after the game seem to indicate he could miss more time. The former All-Star will undergo an MRI due to some discomfort in his elbow, according to Shi Davidi, who covers the Blue Jays as a columnist for Sportsnet. This pain initially originated in his most recent prior start in Detroit and resurfaced again on Wednesday.

Manoah also told Davidi and other reporters he felt a “pinchy” sensation while throwing his final pitch against the Chicago White Sox.

Alek Manoah will undergo an MRI tomorrow. He felt some discomfort in his elbow after his last outing in Detroit but was fine during a bullpen between starts.

He said he felt a “pinchy” sensation on last pitch tonight.

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) May 30, 2024

As has been the norm for him since finishing third in the American League Cy Young race in 2022, Manoah’s 2024 season, one that was delayed due to opening the season on the injured list, has been hot and cold.

The WVU product pitched a gem on May 19, throwing seven scoreless innings and becoming the second fastest pitcher in Blue Jays history to reach 400 career strikeouts. But Manoah then followed that strong showing by allowing six runs (four earned) off five hits in a loss to the Tigers a week later.

Manoah did not get on the mound this season until May 5 because of a right shoulder injury. He made five rehab starts across the minor leagues, most notably four for Triple A Buffalo. The former MLB All-Star surrendered 19 runs in 19.2 total innings.

Click here for more of WV Sports Now’s coverage of Alek Manoah.