TORONTO — The Blue Jays nearly experienced a nightmare scenario on Friday when Alek Manoah was forced out of the game against the Tigers after being hit in the elbow by a comeback.
Manoah underwent X-rays after being taken out with what the team called an elbow contusion, and initial imaging came back negative.
A Jonathan Schoop understudy who came off his bat at nearly 93 mph hit Manoah Square in his pitching arm, ending the all-star night – a night that had already started without George Springer and Bo Bichette in the lineup. Blue Jays, as the two dealt with discomfort.
Manoah immediately brought his left hand to his elbow and winced in pain, crouching beside the mound as the infielder finished the out early. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. waved to coach Jose Ministral and interim manager John Schneider. Manoah made no attempt to throw before leaving the field for left-hander Tim Mayza to take over.
Toronto’s prized starter was a bit lacking in his dominance on Friday, but he still kept the Blue Jays in the game despite a lukewarm offensive night. The 24-year-old struck out four Tigers batters in 5 1/3 innings, allowing four earned runs, including a solo shot to Willi Castro.
Manoah’s early exit comes the night after southpaw Yusei Kikuchi made a strong 15-day IL comeback, ostensibly giving the Blue Jays greater certainty about their five-man rotation before the trade deadline. August 2nd.
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