The path to the major leagues can be a strenuous, doubt-filled journey. A lot of long days in the minor-league systems wondering if that big-league shot would ever come.
So when Toronto Blue Jays star pitching prospect Alek Manoah received the news he was being promoted to start Wednesday vs. the New York Yankees, it was only natural to reminisce.
“It’s been a long road,” Manoah said Tuesday. “From being undrafted out of high school, to having no offers all the way until my senior year of high school, to not even being a pitcher until my senior year of high school. It’s been a long journey, man.
“It was good to reflect and kind of just be like ‘wow, we’ve come a long way.'” Manoah continued. “But it’s also good to reflect and know that there is still a long way to go.”
Heading into 2021 season, there was not a strong indication the right-hander would get a chance to make his major league debut, but with his continued excellence in triple-A, combined with the Blue Jays’ pitching struggles, the 23-year-old didn’t leave Toronto much of a choice.
With the Buffalo Bisons, Manoah went 3-0 with a 0.50 ERA in his three starts. He went six innings in all three appearances, striking out 27 and walking just three batters, making a strong case for promotion.
Manoah said the biggest thing he improved on during his time in triple-A was how he studied his opponents.
“I’m just trying to continue to learn hitters,” explained Manoah. “Continuing to learn their approach and how they’re going to attack me.”
The right-hander will not have to wait long to see just how far he’s come, as he’s set to face an always-dangerous New York lineup at Yankees Stadium on Wednesday.
But instead of allowing the stage of his debut to intimidate him, he’s using it as a sign of the faith that the Blue Jays organization has in his ability.
“Obviously the team has confidence in me to throw me into the fire,” he explained. “As long as that rubber is 60 feet 60 inches, we’ve got a shot.”
You can watch Manoah make his debut against the New York Yankees on Sportsnet ONE at 7:05 p.m. ET/4:05 p.m. PT.
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