Manoah to make MLB debut

The Toronto Blue Jays have called up prized pitching prospect Alek Manoah from triple-A. He will make his MLB debut today. Photo: Toronto Blue Jays/Twitter

May 27, 2021

By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

With a chance of winning their second Bronx series in as many attempts, the Toronto Blue Jays have promoted RHP Alek Manoah from triple-A Buffalo.

In a corresponding move, LHP Tommy Millone (left shoulder inflammation) has been transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Manoah, 23, will make his big league debut when he takes the hill for Toronto on Thursday. According to MLB Pipeline, he joins the club ranked as the Blue Jays' No. 5 prospect and the 97th in all of baseball.

A first-round draft pick in 2019 (11th overall), the 6-foot-6 product of Homestead, Fla., has appeared in just nine affiliated games dating back to his professional debut with the Vancouver Canadian three seasons ago. All nine assignments have come as a starter, with Manoah allowing six earned runs on 20 hits across his 35 affiliated innings.

Manoah has made three appearances with the Bisons in 2021, throwing 18 innings and striking out 27 of the 66 batters faced.

With a taxed relief staff accounting for over half (68) of the 115 runs allowed by the Blue Jays thus far in May, manager Charlie Montoyo will be looking for depth from his rookie right-hander on Thursday.

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