Baseball fans are a passionate bunch. While their support for the team is often clear and certain, so too is their dislike. And when a game produces a moment that could serve to harm one of their favorite teams, the fans do not let up easily. And that was on full display when the LA Angels took on the Toronto Blue Jays in late July, with one pitcher left to take on its consequences.

Known for his fearless approach toward attacking opposite hitters, the ace pitcher has always been the guy who wouldn’t be intimidated by anything. After going toe-to-toe with the legend, Shohei Otani, the aggressive pitcher, who has a reputation for facing challenges head-on, did fumble for a moment. Well, when a pitcher isn’t able to fulfill the brief, there are consequences.

Toronto Blue Jays Star optioned for Triple A

With news emerging out of the Blue Jays camp, it is clear that Alek Manoah has been optioned to Triple-A for the second time this season. Earning a call-up to the majors in 2022, the star was a Cy Young Candidate last year. However, with 2023 seeing a dropoff in his performances, the Jays seem to have taken a lasting call.

Manoah started the season rough. Ending up 1-7 in his first eight starts, Manoah had a 6.36 ERA by Early July. His performances saw him sent to Triple-A to work on his pitch delivery and refine his technique in the season.

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However, the stint seemed to have little effect on the star. Despite being called back to Rogers Centre, Manoah put in some questionable performances when it came to delivery even hitting media darling Shohei Ohtani on his first at-bat while taking on the LA Angels.

Manoah’s move to Triple-A may not come as a direct consequence of his actions, but few can deny its effects. Baseball’s favorite two-way phenom, Shohei Ohtani led off the field as a direct consequence for Manoah.

Is Alek Manoah still in the rotation for the Blue Jays?

Manoah has done little for his reputation after his promotion back to the Blue Jays. While only improving his record to 3-9 since his return on July 7, Manoah’s defensive record has only seen a slight uptick, improving to 5.87 ERA.

However, if they are to be believed the pitcher still remains in contention for the Blue Jays’ post-season run. Despite not being in the best form at the minute, perhaps a stint in the minor leagues will be seeing an improvement from the star.

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Blue Jays Coach John Schneider too agreed. “When you get to the end of the season, all bets are off in terms of roles or roster spots,” said Schneider. “You just try to put the best team together.”

While uncertain at the moment, Manoah’s focus will be on getting better. At least so that he can be a part of the rotation come post-season. Said Schneider, “I think the path for him is to get a regular turn in the rotation and do what he can to get back to the pitcher that he can be.”

And while pitching control will surely be one of the aspects that Manoah will be looking to focus on, the runs he conceded will also be a focus area.

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