For the first time in a decade, a familiar feeling is buzzing around Toronto. The Blue Jays are on fire; they’ve got a nine-game winning streak going (their longest streak in the decade) while sitting atop with a 3 1/2 game lead in the AL East. They have a 53-38 record, which has fans dreaming of a 2015-like season, when the Jays won the division title for the last time. That year saw a great midseason trade for the ace David Price, turning a good team into a dominant one. Now it looks like another big-time piece may be returning to help push for a championship. A former All-Star is on the verge of coming back.
That arm belongs to Alek Manoah. His long journey back from injury is reaching a critical stage. The latest update provides a clear timeline for his potential return. Reporter Keegan Matheson shared the news from manager John Schneider. It details the next crucial steps for the big right-hander. “Alek Manoah is throwing to live hitters again tomorrow in Florida, simulating two innings. Schneider says that after tomorrow, he’ll either throw one more live session to his own hitters or move into his first rehab game. From there, a Spring Training style ramp-up. #BlueJays”
Alek Manoah is throwing to live hitters again tomorrow in Florida, simulating two innings.
Schneider says that after tomorrow, he’ll either throw one more live session to his own hitters or move into his first rehab game.
From there, a Spring Training style ramp-up. #BlueJays
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) July 7, 2025
This plan marks the last stage of his recovery from major elbow surgery. At the plate against live hitters, they are testing the ligament’s strength in a game setting. After a 2-inning simulation, he will start a “Spring Training style ramp up.” This will consist of a series of minor league starts. He will gradually increase his pitch count, which will begin in the minor leagues around mid-July. By early August, the aim is to be fully stretched out and ready for a major league return.
During this arduous period, the manager and player have remained positive. John Schneider has lauded his pitcher’s mentality, referring to his personality as “infectious.” He even playfully called the new dad “Poppa Puma.” And now, Manoah himself is eager to contribute again. “I want to get back out there. I want to be great.”
The Manoah factor: Looking at the former All-Star’s journey
Alek Manoah’s path through professional baseball has been unique. In 2022, he was one of baseball’s leading pitchers, earning third place in the Cy Young voting and achieving an impressive 2.24 ERA. But his control seemed to vanish the following season, 2023, resulting in a “nightmare” year. His ERA ballooned to 5.87, and he was subsequently demoted.
In 2024, he began to rebound, improving his numbers to a 3.70 ERA over five starts. On May 29, 2024, he had an elbow injury that required season-ending surgery a month later in June.
Now his return could address what’s been the biggest problem all season for Toronto: The depth of starting pitching. The rotation is sturdy at the top. They have steady veterans, including Kevin Gausman (4.13 ERA), José Berríos (3.64 ERA), and Chris Bassitt (4.32 ERA). Plus, there is Max Scherzer, the 40-year-old legend, a fine pickup. But in the fifth spot, they have had injury issues. Bowden Francis is back on the injured list, and the team has again been forced to play inconsistent “bullpen games.”
A solid Manoah does a lot to stabilize the back of the rotation. He would make those bullpen days disappear. This is enough to keep the Blue Jays on cruise control.
Well, the Blue Jays’ offense has been scorching of late. They are second in baseball with 150 runs scored. .272 team batting average ranks them the third-best. Most importantly, they also have the fewest strikeouts in the league (165). An offense this explosive might make Toronto the team extremely hard to beat in the American League if it can add a dependable fifth starter.
This scenario has a direct effect on the team’s strategy for the upcoming trade deadline. General Manager Ross Atkins reported the team will be “ultra-aggressive.” They are actively searching for starting pitching and a right-handed bat. And Manoah’s return could turn everything around. Proving he is healthy and effective would internally alleviate one of their biggest needs. This would enable Atkins to utilize his best trade assets to improve other areas.
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