Toronto Blue Jays' Former All-Star Still Dealing with Shoulder Issues at Camp

Toronto Blue Jays' starting pitcher Alek Manoah, who has been trying to win the fifth starters job this camp, is still battling shoulder issues and could end up not being able to win the spot.

According to reports, Toronto Blue Jays' starting pitcher Alek Manoah is still dealing with shoulder issues at spring training.

Per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet on social media:

Alek Manoah’s shoulder still a bit sore per Blue Jays. Was slated to throw a bullpen today but is still day to day. Not off a mound as of now.

Alek Manoah’s shoulder still a bit sore per Blue Jays. Was slated to throw a bullpen today but is still day to day. Not off a mound as of now.

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) March 7, 2024

It seems as if Manoah is close to getting back on the mound, but it's not good news for a pitcher who is fighting to earn the fifth starter spot. Coming into camp, Manoah had a leg up in the race, but if he's unable to ramp up in time, he may lose out to either Mitch White or Bowden Francis.

Manoah, who had a disastrous 2023 season, struggled mightily in his spring debut, giving up four earned runs in 1.2 innings and hitting three batters. He hasn't thrown in a game since.

The 26-year-old went 3-9 in 2023 with a 5.87 ERA and struck out just 79 batters in 87.1 innings a year after being the Blue Jays Game 1 starter in the playoffs. He also was sent to the minor leagues on multiple occasions.

There were complaints about his fitness levels and his inability to adjust to the new pitch clock. He has appeared to be in much better shape entering this season, though that hasn't stopped his arm from experiencing this discomfort.

All that said, he's still young, and is under team control through 2027, so you understand why Toronto didn't want to sell low on him this offseason - or perhaps sell at all. He went 16-7 in 2022 with a 2.24 ERA. He was an All-Star and finished third in the American League Cy Young voting.

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