Los Angeles Angels finding out what Toronto Blue Jays already knew about Alek Manoah
Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah is still searching for answers this spring, as his early outings with the Los Angeles Angels have shown many of the same issues that plagued him in recent seasons.
While it's only spring training, Alek Manoah's latest performance was a difficult one for anyone hoping to see the former All-Star rediscover his form.
The big right-hander lasted just 2.1 innings, allowing five earned runs, three hits, and five walks.
More concerning than the stat line itself was the lack of command, which appeared to be an issue from the very first pitch.
Alek Manoah continues to struggle this spring both in terms of stuff and command. He has seemingly made no changes to his arsenal since joining the Angels and his struggles finding the zone persist. This is not an MLB-quality pitcher
For Angels fans hoping to see signs of progress, the outing instead looked strikingly similar to the struggles Manoah experienced toward the end of his time in Toronto.
His inability to consistently find the strike zone remains the most obvious problem.
So far, Manoah does not appear to have made significant changes to his pitch mix or overall approach since joining the Angels organization.
So far, Manoah does not appear to have made significant changes to his pitch mix or overall approach since joining the Angels organization.
Without improved command, however, even strong raw stuff becomes difficult to rely on.
Watching him battle his mechanics on the mound was uncomfortable at times, as it often seemed like he was fighting against his own delivery rather than attacking hitters.
When a veteran pitcher shows that kind of inconsistency in spring training, reactions from fans tend to come quickly-and often harshly.
Social media quickly filled with criticism and concern as viewers saw the command issues play out in real time.
Decided to check out how Alek Manoah pitched today and almost spat out my water due to how shockingly bad it was
2.1 IP • 5 ER • 5 BBs • 3 Hits • 3 Ks
Dude might be genuinely cooked 😅
2.1 IP • 5 ER • 5 BBs • 3 Hits • 3 Ks
Dude might be genuinely cooked 😅
Manoah may have to start the season in Triple-A again
Those reactions are understandable. Not long ago, Manoah was one of the American League's most dominant pitchers and an All-Star, making his current struggles even more jarring to watch.
At 28 years old, Manoah appears to be dealing with significant mechanical problems that are affecting both his control and confidence.
Finding consistency in his delivery will likely be the key to turning things around.
In that sense, a rough spring outing may actually provide some clarity.
In that sense, a rough spring outing may actually provide some clarity.
Being hit hard in March might bruise the ego, but it also gives the Angels' pitching staff a clear starting point to identify and address the flaws in his release point and mechanics.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, the team approached Manoah as a low-risk reclamation project.
Because of that, the organization can afford to be patient and focus on rebuilding the foundation of his game rather than expecting immediate results.
For now, the Angels are learning what the Blue Jays already experienced: getting Alek Manoah back to his All-Star form will require time, adjustments, and a complete reset.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 5|135 ANSWERS Los Angeles Angels finding out what Toronto Blue Jays already knew about Alek Manoah Do you think Alek Manoah will ever be the All-Star caliber pitcher he once was with the Toronto Blue Jays again? | ||
| Yes | 12 | 8.9 % |
| No | 123 | 91.1 % |
| List of polls | ||