Blue Jays part ways with promising pitcher Alek Manoah

In Toronto, Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays are in the crucial phase of the 2025 MLB season. As they aim to secure the American League East title, they have clinched a postseason spot. To strengthen their roster as they prepare for postseason play, the team activated Anthony Santander before a game on Tuesday. However, this activation led to a significant decision: designating Alek Manoah for assignment. Manoah, once heralded as a rising star in the league, had shown remarkable potential during his early years but faced challenges in more recent seasons due to injuries and performance issues. Manoah had impressive statistics early in his career, including a 3.22 ERA as a rookie and a spot in the All-Star roster during his second season. His performance declined significantly during his third year, with a 5.87 ERA across 19 starts, and he was unable to pitch in the previous season after suffering a season-ending injury. In 2025, although he maintained a 3.96 ERA in the minor leagues, the Blue Jays opted to move on from him. General manager Ross Atkins expressed that this decision was difficult yet necessary for the team's current needs. Anthony Santander's return to the lineup is a critical boost for the Blue Jays as they approach the playoffs. Signing a five-year, $92 million deal in the offseason, Santander was an All-Star last season and hit 44 home runs. Unfortunately, he struggled this season with a .179 batting average and only six home runs over 50 games. The team hopes to reinvigorate his performance as they advance in the postseason. While Santander's return is promising, the Blue Jays still deal with injuries to other key players, including Bo Bichette, who may return but is not yet running, impacting the lineup's configuration. The Blue Jays' overall strategy includes addressing holes in their rotation, which were exposed throughout the season. Manoah's designation indicates a commitment to field a competitive team as they aim for success in October. The Blue Jays must keep a close eye on player health as they navigate postseason preparations, particularly concerning Bichette's availability. The complex dynamics of their roster emphasize both the urgency to win now and the shifting landscape of player development, summoning the team to adapt as they move towards critical games ahead.