Report: Blue Jays Calling Up Alek Manoah

Manoah will start Wednesday at New York, per Ken Rosenthal

The Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff is about to get a little bit better.

The team is reportedly promoting pitching prospect Alek Manoah, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. 

Manoah was Toronto's first round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, selected 11th overall. He is currently a top 100 prospect in baseball and one of Toronto's top five organizational prospects. 

Through three Triple-A starts, Manoah has allowed just one run. In 18 innings he has struck out 27 batters and walked only three. 2021 is Manoah's first year of organized pro baseball above low-A, missing all of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manoah will reportedly pitch the second game of a three-game set against the Yankees in the Bronx. Steven Matz will pitch the opener and Robbie Ray is slated for game three, but the recent demotion of Anthony Kay left an open spot in the rotation. Blue Jays Manager Charlie Montoyo said Monday that the game was slated to be a bullpen day, but the team has "options." 

Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins was present at Manoah's second start in Triple-A this year. Manoah pitched six innings, allowing only one hit and striking out five in the outing. The right-hander said he spoke to Atkins postgame. 

"He just told me to go out there, have fun, and keep doing what I'm doing," Manoah said.

Blue Jays former first round pick Logan Warmoth recently lauded Manoah, recalling his matchups against Manoah during the 2021 Alt Site.

"I don't think as far as the right on right matchup, I don't think I've had a more uncomfortable at bat," Warmoth said. "I know what he's trying to do to me and he knows what he's trying to do to me, and it is still not a fun at bat."

Manoah is not currently on Toronto's 40-man roster, and the team will need to clear a spot when he joins the team.

Further Reading

Prospect Logan Warmoth Drawing MLB Attention After 17 Months Away

Robbie Ray Is a Different Pitcher in 2021

Blue Jays have the most top prospects in Baseball America's top 100