Blue Jays plan to promote Manoah to help struggling pitching staff
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With a six-game losing streak and a pitching staff on the ropes, the time has arrived to promote the big man.
The Blue Jays are planning to call up 2019 first-round draft pick Alek Manoah with an eye for the hard-throwing right-hander make his big-league debut Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.
Manoah, who has been sensational in his three starts with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons, has fast-tracked his advancement considerably for the start of the season. And with no scheduled starter for the second game of a three-game series, the former West Virginia star is on the verge of his debut.
A source familiar with the decision said that the announcement to make it official will come after the team decides on a corresponding roster move. The source said that Manoah was considered the prime candidate to get his shot, given the team’s recent struggles on the mound.
The Jays originally had preferred to delay Manoah’s promotion to allow more seasoning in the minors. But the issue has been forced by the pitcher’s performance — and a clear need on the big-league roster.
Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic first reported that Manoah will make the start as the Jays look to stop the bleeding from their recent losing streak, all against division foes.
Sportsnet’s Ben Wagner reports that Manoah is on his way to New York, where he will have a chance to acclimatize with the team prior to his debut.
The 23-year-old Manoah has been dominant pitching for the Bisons, allowing just one run in 18 innings with the Bisons and striking out a whopping. 27 batters.
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