“He just gives us a chance” – Resilient Alek Manoah takes charge for Blue Jays in Hyun Jin Ryu’s absence

“He just gives us a chance” – Resilient Alek Manoah takes charge for Blue Jays in Hyun Jin Ryu’s absence

Toronto Blue Jays’ Alek Manoah led his side to a 4-3 win over the A’s, after Hyun Jin Ryu was placed on the IL with left forearm inflammation. The Blue Jays are now 18-4 in the 22 games started by Manoah, this latest effort locking down a weekend series victory.

The Florida native Manoah comes in with a variety of factors working in his favour, but manager Charlie Montoyo has found the main thing in him, which is consistently giving the team a chance to win. Moreover, with Ryu’s absence for the foreseeable future, Manoah is as important to this Blue Jays team more than ever. And, he’s time and again proved his as Alek is the man you want on the mound the day after something goes wrong. 

Also Read | “Didn’t think I could still pitch at a high level” – Justin Verlander on comeback in Mariners win

FS Video

“His last 10 starts, we’ve won every game,” Montoyo said after the win, as quoted by MLB.com. “He just gives us a chance. Everybody feels it when he takes the mound. It’s what I always used to say about him. He gives you a chance, throws strikes and he doesn’t back down from anybody.”

“Just trying to compete every time” 

Alek Manoah
Alek Manoah

Manoah, who is one of the biggest human beings you’ll find on a baseball field, is gifted in many ways. He allowed two runs in the top of the fifth, which shrunk Toronto’s lead to one, but came back out in the sixth and gave the Blue Jays a clean inning before handing it off to the bullpen. 

“I want those guys to know that I’m giving it my all every time,” Manoah said. “I think they kind of feel and play off of that energy. To go out there and get as many wins as possible, that’s going to get us in the postseason. That’s good news.”

YouTube video

He added: “I’m just trying to compete every time. I’m trying to keep that focus there as much as possible. I think I kind of lobbed in an 85-mph changeup on the first pitch to [Stephen] Vogt. I wasn’t too locked in right there. You can’t let the game slip away or take anything for granted. You have to stay focused, so I wanted to do that in the sixth inning and come out firing.”

Also Read | “Was satisfied with the day” – Michael Kopech gives Chicago White Sox rotation a boost