Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider won't commit to pitching Alek Manoah his next time through the rotation.
In four of his previous five outings, Alek Manoah has failed to reach the fifth inning. The Toronto Blue Jays have lost all five of those games.
For a pitcher like Manoah, who at his best is one of the more productive starters in the American League, something is clearly off. Whether it has to do with his mechanics or mental acuity, perhaps some time off is needed.
Monday night's start against the Houston Astros was his worst yet, at least so far this season. Manoah recorded just one out, giving up six earned runs on seven hits. His ERA ballooned to 6.36 through 13 starts. After the game, the Jays said all the right things to Manoah, making him feel supported.
"They reminded me that they all have my back, that we're all in this together, that they love me and want me to do well," Manoah said. "It's very encouraging to hear that."
Blue Jays: When will Alek Manoah start next?
It should be noted, though, that Jays skipper John Schneider did not fully commit to Manoah starting his next time through the rotation.
"I think so. The game just ended," Schneider said when prompted. In the meantime, Schneider wants to do whatever he can to help Manoah improve and get back to his old self.
"We've got to continue to do what's best for him to help him get better," Schneider said. "That's what we're going to do, starting tonight and moving forward. That's been our focus the whole time, so we'll continue to do that."
With three off days remaining in June, Toronto's schedule would allow them to pitch their four other starters several times through should Schneider wish to give Manoah some time off.
Frankly, it's not a bad idea considering the recent trend of Manoah starts, which always result in Toronto defeats. In the crowded AL East, that's something the Blue Jays cannot afford.
