Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Alek Manoah of the Toronto Blue Jays isn’t here to rest after a season that took him to the All-Star Game last year.
The 25-year-old pitcher is an information-gathering machine at the team’s development complex, as he regularly spends his time watching other pitchers practice. Manoah also communicates frequently with players and coaches to find out as much as possible.
“I’m a big baseball fan,” Manoah said. I like to learn and see what other people are working on.”
Manoah quickly became friends with new teammate Chris Bassitt, who signed a three-year contract with the Blue Jays this offseason.
Bassitt, 34, has been one of the most reliable pitchers in his eight career major league seasons.
He’s 46-34, 3.45 ERA, and known for throwing hitters off balance.
“Looks like he’s got 40 kinds of shots,” Manoah joked. I’m really lucky to be his teammate and to be able to train with him.”
Yusei Kikuchi and Mitch White are the favorites to get the fifth starter position. It’s also possible that Hyun Jin Ryu, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, will return to the game later in the campaign.
Manoah finished third in Cy Young voting in the 2022 AL, having gone 16-7, 2.24 ERA and 180 strikeouts.
“Confidence is never an issue for him and we know that,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. I just believe he’s more familiar with his routines than before. He expresses himself a little more and assumes more of a leading role, which is good.
Manoah finished his rookie season with a 9-2 record in 20 starts and he showed last year that it wasn’t luck. He is working on a few specific aspects of his repertoire, but did not want to reveal which ones.
“I just believe that small details can make a difference over the course of a season,” he added. It becomes even more important during the playoffs.
