Toronto Blue Jays' pitchers Alek Manoah and Erik Swanson are current focal points as the team navigates injuries and prepare for the upcoming season. On March 14, 2025, Manoah took significant strides toward recovery from Tommy John surgery by throwing off a mound for the first time since June 2024. The event marks a pivotal moment for the young pitcher, who had been sidelined due to injury.
Alek Manoah, now 26 years old, made headlines with his impressive performance just two seasons ago, when he was selected as an All-Star. During the 2022 season, he posted a remarkable record of 16-7 with a stellar 2.24 ERA, finishing third in the American League's Cy Young voting. He was a key factor for the Blue Jays as they made their playoff push then. Unfortunately, the 2023 season turned disastrous for Manoah, as he struggled on the mound with only three wins against nine losses and a ballooned ERA of 5.87. Injuries plagued him throughout, leading to a demotion to the minor leagues.
"Manoah made just five starts last season, going 1-2 with a 3.70 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 24.1 innings," noted Keegan Matheson of MLB.com.
Manoah's recovery plan marks hope for the Blue Jays as they prepare for the 2025 season. Based on current projections, he is expected to return to the big leagues around July or August 2025, should his recovery remain on track. The Blue Jays will certainly be counting on his return, especially with their projected rotation including Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman, Bowden Francis, Max Scherzer, and Jose Berrios.
On the same day, the news was also released concerning right-hander Erik Swanson, who is experiencing some challenges of his own this spring training. An MRI indicated he is dealing with median nerve entrapment but displayed no signs of structural damage. Swanson had recently met with elbow specialist Dr. Keith Meister prior to these developments.
"Swanson had a cortisone shot and will back off throwing for a couple days," remarked Matheson, highlighting the precautionary actions being taken.
Swanson, now 31, has had his own ups and downs. Last season, he had a 5.03 ERA over 39.1 innings but excelled down the stretch with an impressive 2.55 ERA from July 20 onward. Originally acquired from the Seattle Mariners, Swanson's performance has improved significantly since last season when he recorded a 2.97 ERA across 69 outings.
With the Blue Jays finishing the last season with a dismal record of 74-88, these injury updates are even more pressing as they head toward their season opener against the Baltimore Orioles on March 27, 2025. Manoah’s resurgence, paired with Swanson’s healing progress, will be pivotal for the team's aspirations this season.
If all goes well with Manoah's recovery, as indicated, he could return to the team later this summer. This would vastly change the dynamics of the Blue Jays pitching staff, which is desperate for reliable arms after last year's struggles. Toronto fans are hopeful and eager to see the return of the ace who once carried them to the postseason.
Overall, maintaining the health of both Manoah and Swanson remains integral for the Blue Jays' success. With the new season on the horizon, all eyes will be on the Blue Jays pitching lineup and how injuries are managed as they aim to rise from the challenges faced last year.