Now in bullpen, right-hander Alek Manoah returns to Toronto with Los Angeles Angels

TORONTO —

The latest stop on former Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah’s undulating big-league career has taken him back to a familiar setting.

The former all-star returned to Rogers Centre on Friday night as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. He worked the eighth inning of a 2-0 loss to Toronto in his first appearance in the major leagues since undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2024.

“That was good, man. I felt like I debuted again,” Manoah said after his 1-2-3 frame. “It’s been a long time, so it’s good to go out there, pump some strikes, get a couple outs.”

The six-foot-six, 285-pound right-hander excelled in his first two years as a Blue Jay.

Drafted 11th overall in 2019, Manoah made 20 starts as a rookie in 2021, posting a 9-2 record and 3.22 earned-run average.

He finished third in American League Cy Young Award voting in 2022 after going 16-7 with a 2.24 ERA.

Injuries and underperformance plagued him over parts of the next two seasons. After recovering from elbow surgery, he didn’t get a call-up last year despite going 1-1 with a 2.97 ERA over seven starts for the triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

“I think if there’s anyone in the baseball industry that appreciates his competitiveness, it’s probably me and (pitching coach) Pete (Walker),” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “He did a lot of really good things for us. So I’m glad that he’s back healthy.”

The Blue Jays designated Manoah for assignment in the heart of the stretch drive last year. Toronto went on to win the East Division title and reached the Fall Classic before falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games.

“I understand the business side of it and where I was in my rehab and all that stuff,” Manoah said. “When you’re trying to go for a World Series, roster spots are limited and you need guys that are there.

“Obviously (the activation of outfielder Anthony) Santander was more important than me at that point.”

Manoah said he’s proud that he made an impact during his time in Toronto.

“Just being a good teammate, being able to make some friendships and relationships that will last forever,” he said. “That’s what I look back on the most.

“And we won a lot of ball games too, so that was always fun.”

Manoah added he had no regrets over his time in the Ontario capital, which included an unsettled 2023 campaign.

He was demoted to the rookie-level Florida Complex League in June of that year, was called up in July and then sent down to triple-A in August.

Manoah reportedly refused to report to the Bisons on the expected timeline and didn’t pitch once he eventually arrived. The Blue Jays shut him down that September after he received multiple injections in his pitching arm.

“Just dealing with adversity in this league is, you know, everyone goes through it,” Manoah said. “Understanding that and continuing to believe in yourself is probably the biggest thing.”

Manoah was claimed off waivers by Atlanta in late September but never pitched for the Braves. He became a free agent and signed a one-year, US$1.95-million deal with the Angels.

“Any time you switch teams, it’s kind of a new start, a new beginning,” Manoah said. “You just take it from there and give it all you’ve got. I’m super happy to be here in this clubhouse, to be with these guys, and I’m looking forward to winning a lot of ball games.”

Manoah spent about seven weeks on the injured list this spring due to a finger issue. He said he dropped a weight on the tip of his finger while doing some arm care in January and eventually lost the nail.

“I’m just glad that I got a little nub back and it’s all behind me,” Manoah said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 8, 2026.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press