Alek Manoah’s return to the Toronto Blue Jays could be on the horizon.
The right-hander has made a pair of rehab appearances and also threw 69 pitches in a simulated game, as he continues to work his way back from elbow surgery last June. His next outing will be in double-A New Hampshire on Thursday.
Manoah’s 30-day rehab clock started on July 21, meaning the Blue Jays will have to decide whether to bring him up to the major-league roster or option him to the minors sometime around the middle of August.
Alek Manoah’s first rehab game in Dunedin💪
28 pitches // 16 strikes
2️⃣ IP | 1️⃣ R | 3️⃣ H | 0️⃣ BB | 2️⃣ K pic.twitter.com/2vV0iJRo8M
— Dunedin Blue Jays (@DunedinBlueJays) July 20, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
It’s hard to know exactly what to expect from Manoah. The 27-year-old hasn’t been a consistently good pitcher in three years and is carrying an ERA over 15 in his first two rehab outings.
Before the trade deadline acquisition of Shane Bieber, many were looking at Manoah as the potential next man up in the rotation if the Blue Jays needed another starting pitcher. With more insulation ahead of him, it’s fair to wonder what, if any, role Manoah might play for the Blue Jays down the stretch.
There’s something to be said for not having to press Manoah into a role he might not be ready to play. Many pitchers struggle in the immediate aftermath of major elbow surgery. Manoah could certainly benefit from spending the rest of the season in a lower-pressure environment at Triple-A, working his way back into shape, and trying to find some positive momentum as he heads into the offseason.
Man felt so great to be back out there, hear the National Anthems and toe that rubber. 392 days! Thank you Jesus! Been a long journey, look forward to continuing to get better, have fun and COMPETE everyday!! pic.twitter.com/rmSLBmgode
— MANOAH (@Alek_Manoah6) July 14, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Going back to right-hander Lazaro Estrada if a spot starter is needed at some point before the end of the regular season looks like a more realistic scenario than turning to Manoah. Estrada has put together some strong moments in his two appearances this season, showing he’s capable of getting major-league hitters out.
The best course of action should be to let Manoah continue to work on things in the minors, and if his performance forces the issue, then bring him up to the major league level. Manoah has never made a relief appearance in 75 career games, and it’s fair to question how his repertoire would adjust to pitching out of the bullpen, particularly coming off a major injury. With the Blue Jays facing some potential holes in the rotation heading into the 2026 season, Manoah should have ample opportunity to earn a spot coming out of spring training. It’s still too early to close the door on Manoah being a productive Blue Jay in the future.
This season should be about rebuilding Manoah’s confidence and good health. Parachuting him into a pennant race before he’s ready wouldn’t do Manoah or the Blue Jays any good.