Alek Manoah is on a careful path back from UCL surgery, and every outing is measured in progress, not results, all with an eye on 2026. Manoah lasted 1 2/3 innings in his Triple-A Buffalo start, as reported by Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Alek Manaoh's first AAA rehab start lasted just 1.2 innings after his pitch count climbed quickly in the 2nd.
Buffalo Sees Rough Return for Alek Manoah originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Alek Manoah is on a careful path back from UCL surgery, and every outing is measured in progress, not results, all with an eye on 2026.
Manoah lasted 1 2/3 innings in his Triple-A Buffalo start, as reported by Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. The right-hander allowed two hits, three walks, and a hit-by-pitch while striking out one. Of his 49 pitches, fewer than half were in the strike zone. His fastball/sinker topped out at 92 mph but averaged 91, and his slider lacked its usual bite. The line wasn't flattering, but it was expected for a pitcher still rebuilding his arm and command.
Alek Manaoh's first AAA rehab start lasted just 1.2 innings after his pitch count climbed quickly in the 2nd.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) August 13, 2025
He allowed three runs, walked three batters and peaked at 92mph.
This is really about building for 2026 at this point, so Manoah will keep ramping up in AAA. #BlueJays
In his previous outing for Double-A New Hampshire, Manoah allowed two runs on five hits in three innings. Since his All-Star season in 2022, Manoah has thrown only 111 2/3 innings for the Toronto Blue Jays, posting a 5.40 ERA. Manoah underwent UCL reconstruction last season after a five-game return to the Blue Jays in which he posted a 3.70 ERA over 24 1/3 innings.
Following Manoah, the Bisons' rotation will feature top prospect Trey Yesavage and veteran Shane Bieber. Yesavage, Toronto's No. 1 prospect, has dominated across three minor league levels, posting a 3.01 ERA with 134 strikeouts in 80 2/3 innings. Bieber, who was recently acquired from the Cleveland Guardians, continues his rehab assignment and is steadily progressing toward the majors. Ther starts provide innings and highlight the depth of the Blue Jays' pitching pipeline, while Manoah focuses on his long-term recovery.
This year isn't about stats for Manoah. It's about regaining velocity, refining command, and ensuring he can return to a full, healthy rotation. His short outing in Buffalo might not impress at first glance, but each pitch is a step in a carefully managed process. By 2026, the hope is that Manoah will be back at full strength, ready to help the Blue Jays' rotation once again.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
