Alek Manoah was having one of his better outings of the season for the Toronto Blue Jays but it came to an abrupt end after an accidental visit to the mound from manager John Schneider.
Sitting at 85 pitches, the Blue Jays starter was pulled because Schneider went out to see him after pitching coach Pete Walker already did earlier in the game.
After some confusion, the Blue Jays were forced to call reliever Tim Mayza into the game.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Schneider admits that he made a mistake going up to visit Manoah as he forgot Walker had already visited the mound.
"I liked what he was doing and he liked the matchup. I won't share on the mound what was said from him, initially it took me back and made me laugh a little," Schneider explained. "Regardless of my (expletive), it was the right time to get him out.
Fortunately for Toronto, Mayza was able to finish off the sixth inning.
Manoah went 5.2 innings allowing two runs on six hits and one walk while recording five strikeouts.
"I thought he threw the ball really well, it was a step in the right direction for Alek. I thought his command was good, slider was back a bit today," Schneider said of Manoah's outing. "In that exact moment, him wanting to stay in there and compete hopefully we get more of that moving forward."
The 25-year-old has a 1-4 record and a 5.15 ERA in 10 starts this season after recording a 2.24 ERA in 31 starts in 2022.
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